2022 Key Enrollment Trends For High Deductible Health Plans | TechTarget (2024)

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Pre-deductible chronic disease prevention coverage was a big factor in high deductible health plan enrollees’ decision-making, along with factors like prescription drug coverage.

High deductible health plan (HDHP) enrollees may have a broader selection of health plans and may view pre-deductible coverage for chronic disease prevention care as a deciding factor in health plan selection, a survey from Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) and Greenwald Research found.

EBRI and Greenwald Research surveyed over 2,000 Americans between the ages of 21 and 64 between October 17 and November 20, 2022. Both traditional health plan members and HDHP enrollees responded to the survey.

The survey covered six main topics: open enrollment trends between HDHP enrollees and traditional health plan enrollees, health plan choice, HDHP enrollment, financial wellbeing differences between HDHP and traditional health plan enrollees, use of health savings accounts (HSAs), and pre-deductible coverage in HSA-eligible health plans.

“Open enrollment is the time of year when employees get to evaluate their plan options,” Paul Fronstin, director of health research benefits at EBRI, said in an emailed press release.“Employees should consider the trade-offs between premiums and cost sharing when making health plan decisions.”

Most enrollees were satisfied with the enrollment process, with six out of ten enrollees saying they were extremely or very satisfied and a third saying they were somewhat satisfied.

Almost three-quarters of adults spent less than an hour on their health plan decision (72 percent), the survey uncovered. Around 20 percent of Americans with private coverage had passive enrollment, including 16 percent of HDHP enrollees.

HDHP enrollees tended to leverage their employers’ plan selection tools more readily than employees without an HDHP. Nearly six out of ten HDHP enrollees used their annual employee benefits guides and slightly more than four out of ten leveraged the online portal. In contrast, four out of ten non-HDHP enrollees used the guides and three out of ten used the online portal.

Sixty percent of respondents said that they had a choice in their health plan. Almost three out of ten HDHP enrollees reported having three health plan options. Less than a fifth of the traditional plan enrollees could say the same (17 percent).

Overall, health plan members did not prioritize low premiums. While low premiums were considered important, the provider network, low out-of-pocket spending, prescription drug coverage, and the plan’s overall simplicity were key components that factored into members’ decision-making. HDHP enrollees prioritized low premiums over low out-of-pocket spending.

For HDHP enrollees, chronic disease prevention coverage could significantly influence their health plan selections.

Forty-five percent of HDHP enrollees said that pre-deductible chronic disease prevention coverage influenced their health plan decision. A quarter of traditional plan enrollees were extremely or very likely to switch to an HDHP plan if the plan offered this type of coverage.

Almost four out of ten HDHP enrollees said that their HDHP plans covered chronic disease prevention care while another four out of ten enrollees were unsure if their plans covered these services.

“Those especially with chronic conditions should pay careful attention as we see employers both enhancing and cutting back on health benefits,” Lisa Weber-Raley, chief research officer at Greenwald Research, added in the emailed press release.

Enrollment in HSAs returned to the 2020 record high: 19 percent of employees were enrolled in HSA-eligible plans. Meanwhile, non-HSA-eligible HDHP enrollment dropped to 12 percent.

Traditional health plan employees felt pressure from higher healthcare spending more frequently than their HDHP counterparts. However, more HDHP enrollees reported higher out-of-pocket costs than traditional health plan enrollees, with 46 percent seeing shifts in cost-sharing or premiums in 2022.

Despite the rising prices, 80 percent of enrollees agreed that their finances were stable. Still, 58 percent of respondents said that they had opened an HSA to help cover future costs and nearly the same amount had opened an HSA to save on taxes.

The findings demonstrated HDHP enrollees’ level of involvement in their coverage and the aspects of a health plan that were most attractive to potential enrollees in 2022.

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2022 Key Enrollment Trends For High Deductible Health Plans | TechTarget (2024)

FAQs

What is the enrollment trend for HDHP? ›

In addition, HDHP enrollment fell in 32 states, with 13 states reporting HDHP enrollment numbers below 50% between the 2021 and 2022 plan year. Overall, the study said 54% of private sector workers in the U.S. were enrolled in HDHPs in 2022.

What percent of people have high deductible health plans? ›

High deductible health plans and health savings accounts
YearAll workers500 workers or more
201930%47%
202032%52%
202134%56%
202235%55%
8 more rows
Apr 11, 2024

What is the minimum deductible for a high-deductible health plan 2022? ›

For calendar year 2022, a “high deductible health Page 2 2 plan” is defined under § 223(c)(2)(A) as a health plan with an annual deductible that is not less than $1,400 for self-only coverage or $2,800 for family coverage, and the annual out-of-pocket expenses (deductibles, co-payments, and other amounts, but not ...

Why do people choose a health insurance plan with a high deductible? ›

HDHPs are popular because they have low monthly premiums. Because the premiums are lower than other health insurance plans, the deductible is higher. However, many HDHPs provide 100% in-network coverage for preventive services before you meet your deductible. This includes services such as physicals and vaccinations.

Are high deductible health plans becoming more popular? ›

Employers are increasingly expanding their use of high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), and more adults in the United States obtained private health insurance from their employers.

Why do companies push HDHP? ›

While offering an HDHP to employees will likely result in savings for your business, it essentially pushes the costs onto the employee, especially if they're faced with a serious medical situation. However, many proponents of HDHPs argue that they're generally beneficial to both businesses and their team members.

Who should avoid a high deductible health plan? ›

Large medical expenses: Since HDHPs generally only cover preventive care, an accident or emergency could result in very high out-of-pocket costs. Future health risks: Because of the costs, you may refrain from visiting a physician, getting treatments, or purchasing prescriptions when they're not covered by your HDHP.

What is one disadvantage to a high deductible health plan? ›

It Is More Expensive to Manage a Chronic Illness With an HDHP. A chronic illness, such as heart disease or diabetes, can be much more expensive to manage under an HDHP than a traditional health care plan. With these conditions, regular medications and health screenings may be required.

What is a typical high deductible? ›

Per IRS guidelines in 2025, an HDHP is a health insurance plan with a deductible of at least $1,650 if you have an individual plan or a deductible of at least $3,300 if you have a family plan.

What happens if I contribute to an HSA without a HDHP? ›

There is no 20% penalty on excess contributions. If you no longer are enrolled in an HDHP you are not eligible to make contributions to your HSA, but you may request withdrawals for qualified medical expenses.

What circ*mstances are best for a HDHP? ›

You're healthy and rarely seek medical care for illness or injury. You can afford to pay your deductible upfront or within 30 days of receiving a bill for that amount if a surprise medical expense comes up.

Is a high deductible HSA plan worth it? ›

Pros. Lower monthly premiums: Most high-deductible health plans come with lower monthly premiums. If you anticipate only needing preventive care, which is covered at 100% under most plans when you stay in-network, then the lower premiums that often come with an HDHP may help you save money in the long run.

Why would someone want a high deductible but a lower premium? ›

The size of your monthly premium impacts your deductible—typically, the lower the premium, the higher the deductible. Why does having a higher deductible lower your insurance premiums? Because you'd be taking on more costs if you actually need care, rather than paying more each month toward potential care.

Which is better, high deductible or PPO? ›

When choosing between an HDHP and a PPO, consider your health status, expected medical needs, and financial situation. An HDHP may be a good option if you're generally healthy, while a PPO might be better for those needing frequent medical care.

What is a good annual deductible for health insurance? ›

Average deductible for different health insurance plans
Plan type2023 average deductible
HMO$1,200
PPO$1,281
POS$1,783
High deductible health plan$2,611
Feb 14, 2024

What are the disadvantages of HDHP? ›

Cons of High Deductible Healthcare Plans
  • Some Individuals May Avoid Healthcare Treatment Due to High Costs. ...
  • It Is More Expensive to Manage a Chronic Illness With an HDHP. ...
  • Few Exceptions to the Deductible Rules. ...
  • Premium Costs and Deductible Levels Seem to Rise Every Year. ...
  • Contributions to Your HSA Are Capped.
Dec 21, 2023

Should I enroll in a HDHP with HSA? ›

If your medical expenses are generally low, you should definitely consider an HDHP. If you would benefit from reducing your taxable income by contributing to your HSA, you should consider an HDHP.

Who is a good candidate for an HDHP plan? ›

An HDHP is best for younger, healthier people who don't expect to need health care coverage except in the face of a serious health emergency. Wealthy individuals and families who can afford to pay the high deductible out of pocket and want the benefits of an HSA may benefit from HDHPs.

Why would you choose PPO over HDHP? ›

First, the upside: Lower deductible: We all want to save money where we can. And having a lower deductible means a PPO kicks in with help on medical expenses sooner, rather than later. Lower out-of-pocket maximum: The PPO typically has a lower maximum out-of-pocket cost than an HDHP.

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