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High Deductible Health Plan or HDHP

You must have an HDHP if you want to open an HSA. Sometimes referred to as a catastrophic health insurance plan, an HDHP is an inexpensive health insurance plan that generally doesnt pay for the first several thousand dollars of health care expenses (i.e., your deductible) but will generally cover you after that . Of course, your HSA is available to help you pay for the expenses your plan does not cover.

For 2007, in order to qualify to open an HSA, your HDHP minimum deductible must be at least $2,850 (self-only coverage) or $5,650 (family coverage). The annual out-of-pocket (including deductibles and co-pays) for 2007 cannot exceed $5,500 (self-only coverage) or $11,000 (family coverage). HDHPs can have first dollar coverage (no deductible) for preventive care and apply higher out-of-pocket limits (and co pays & coinsurance) for non-network services.

Other Glossary Terms

• Coinsurance
• Copayment or copay
• Deductible
• Health Maintenance Organization
• Health Savings Account or HSA
• High Deductible Health Plan or HDHP
• HMO
• In-Network
• Out-of-pocket maximum or out-of-pocket limit
• PPO
• Preferred Provider Organization or PPO