Quote:
Originally Posted by redpoint5
I highly recommend an HSA and high deductible plan if you're healthy. I've got my 1 year old daughter on an HSA and my employer contributes $1000 to our HSA in addition to paying half of the premium.
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Completely agree with that. My first opportunity to get an HSA was 3 years ago and we have taken full advantage of the $7,000 a year that can be saved COMPLETELY tax free. My employer pays 100% of the premium (Which is $15,936 last year for 2 people)
High Deductible plans with HSA's are great for healthy people - as long as you stay healthy. On the other hand they encourage people to delay routine care and not get treatment until things are really bad. That is the opposite of what you want to do if the goal is to bring down health care costs.
Contrary to popular talking points most people have no choice in their health insurance. You get what your employer provides. One of my former employers changed providers 3 times in 5 years so I was constantly changing doctors.
The US system of tying health insurance to employment stifles a lot of innovation and small business creation. I know plenty of people (including myself) that didn't pursue opportunities because they couldn't afford to buy health insurance and would not risk their family's health and financial security to go without.