HSAs and Choice

I read about this fascinating story below about the ability to be in control of your health care.

For the first time in my life, I don’t have Dental Insurance.

I do, however, have an HSA which can be used for all dental-related expenses.

Today, I went to my 6 month dentist appointment. At the start, they wanted to give me my yearly x-ray, and so — now that I’m in control of my medical expenses — I questioned the necessity of them.

In the end I decided to spring for the extra $50 and get the x-rays done. But it was my choice, since it was my expense (I wouldn’t have questioned it if I knew my insurance was paying for them regardless).

As it turned out, I have a cavity on one of my back teeth (floss, people!) which they wouldn’t have found without the x-ray. If they wouldn’t have found it, over the next months it would have gotten worse, and then my problems — and personal expenses — would have gotten much worse.

I don’t know what it means — and I certainly don’t know if there are any implications for the current Health Care debate — but this experience was very empowering for me. I got to make a decision about my health expenses and in the end, I win.

I’ve also recently switched to a high deductible plan with an HSA. I’ve found it similarly empowering. It’s a wonderful thing. I can’t help but think that this is the way healthcare should work. (via innonate)

I am a big supporter of High Deductible Insurance Plans with HSAs (Health Savings Accounts). I will post more about these plans in the future to help people understand how to save money and at the same time receive better care. Its a win-win for everyone. The unfortunate truth is that Obama's Health Care Reform plans on banning HSAs and even further removing patients from the true cost of medical care.

HSAs and Choice

Labels: Healthcare Reform, High Deductible Insurance Plans, HSAs, Obama