The Lively Blog

SIGN UP FOR OUR

Newsletter

Stay up to date on the latest news delivered straight to your inbox

Why Companies choose High Deductible Health Plans

Lively · November 13, 2018 · 3 min read

why-companies-select-an-HDHP.png

Even this early in open enrollment, some clear trends are surfacing. HDHPs are on the rise. More and more employers are offerings these health plans.

What is causing this shift and why are companies embracing high deductible health plans? We will cover both the value and rationale for the movement to HDHPs.

HDHPs are Cheaper

HDHPs are cheaper for employers. Employers are always looking for ways to keep benefits stable and lower costs. This helps employers stay competitive in a robust job market and save money at the same time. So how much money are employers really savings? A recent study from Mercer showed larger employers are paying an average of $84 per month for HDHPs, compared to $132 a month for a traditional PPOs, per employee. As more employees more to HDHPs, the result is a 37% savings per employee. The larger the company the more total savings.

HDHPs are cheaper for employees. HDHPs offer lower premium costs than traditional plans like PPOs and HMO. How much less do they cost? That will vary by plan type, but we have seen nearly 40% savings premiums savings when comparing HDHPs to PPOs.

HDHPs are More Flexible

You now know that HDHPs save money. But what about your healthcare experience? In fact, HDHPs offer more flexibility when it comes to coverage options. Generally speaking, HDHPs offer fewer restrictions than HMOs, so you can go to the service provider you want. HDHPs help remove the red tape from your healthcare options.

They do however have higher out-of-pocket health cost. What (or should) you do about that? Read on to find out.

HDHPs Offer Extra-Saving Options

HDHPs are the only HSA-eligible health plan. With an HDHP, you can add an HSA (health savings account) to save even more. HSAs create:

  1. Tax-free saving, investing and spending for healthcare costs.

  2. Year over year healthcare funds. Your HSAs never expires. You own it and can take it with you from job to job and provider to provider.

  3. An extra retirement account – After the age of 65, you can use your HSA funds just like a 401(k) or IRA.

Your HSA funds are yours for life. Each year you might select a new health plan, but not a new HSA. It’s nice to have that stability in an ever-changing healthcare market.

High Deductible Health Plan FAQs

  1. HDHP Overview

  2. High Deductible Health Plan Benefits

  3. Expected HDHP Expenses

  4. Moving From a PPO/HMO to an HDHP

HDHPs are Now the Normal

No one wants to lead the pack when it comes to changing benefits options. Employers fear backlash and a drop in employee satisfaction. We have good news. More than 9 in 10 employers expect to offer high-deductible plans in 2019.

Fact: HSA-Eligible Health Plans Now As Common as PPOs and HMOs

Adding an HDHP is no longer the bleeding edge, it is expected. HDHPs are cheaper for employers and employees. Based on healthcare costs, we only expect this trend to continue. More employees will adopt an HDHP this year than last year, will you be one of them?

Lively

Lively

Lively is the modern HSA experience built for—and by—those seeking stability in the ever-shifting healthcare landscape. By harnessing modern innovation and deep industry expertise, Lively is committed to bridging today’s savings with tomorrow’s unknowns. Unlike traditional institutions hindered by bureaucracy, Lively’s commitment extends beyond initial set up to providing dedicated, ongoing support and education for every step. So each HSA can reach its maximum potential with minimal headache.

piggy bank on pink background

Benefits

2024 and 2025 HSA Maximum Contribution Limits

Lively · May 9, 2024 · 3 min read

On May 9, 2024 the Internal Revenue Service announced the HSA contribution limits for 2025. For 2025 HSA-eligible account holders are allowed to contribute: $4,300 for individual coverage and $8,500 for family coverage. If you are 55 years or older, you’re still eligible to contribute an extra $1,000 catch-up contribution.

comparing hsa versus fsa

Benefits

What is the Difference Between a Flexible Spending Account and a Health Savings Account?

Lauren Hargrave · February 9, 2024 · 12 min read

A Health Savings Account (HSA) and Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA) provide up to 30% savings on out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. That’s good news. Except you can’t contribute to an HSA and Healthcare FSA at the same time. So what if your employer offers both benefits? How do you choose which account type is best for you? Let’s explore the advantages of each to help you decide which wins in HSA vs FSA.

Benefits of HSA employer matching

Health Savings Accounts

Ways Health Savings Account Matching Benefits Employers

Lauren Hargrave · October 13, 2023 · 7 min read

Employers need employees to adopt and engage with their benefits and one way to encourage employees to adopt and contribute to (i.e. engage with) an HSA, is for employers to match employees’ contributions.

Disclaimer: the content presented in this article are for informational purposes only, and is not, and must not be considered tax, investment, legal, accounting or financial planning advice, nor a recommendation as to a specific course of action. Investors should consult all available information, including fund prospectuses, and consult with appropriate tax, investment, accounting, legal, and accounting professionals, as appropriate, before making any investment or utilizing any financial planning strategy.

SIGN UP FOR OUR

Newsletter

Stay up to date on the latest news delivered straight to your inbox