If you have questions about high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), one of the options available during this year’s open season, here’s what you should know:
• HDHPs generally offer lower premiums than other plans. This means you’ll have less money taken out of your paycheck.
• HDHPs give you greater flexibility. While HDHPs have higher annual deductibles and out-of-pocket limits than other Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) plans, they have features that help you pay your medical expenses, including the ability to pay expenses on a pretax or tax deductible basis.
• HDHPs work with HSAs and HRAs. With HDHPs, a portion of your premium or a credit is automatically deposited into your health savings account (HSA) or health reimbursement account (HRA).
You can use this money for out-of-pocket health care costs or to save for future medical expenses. HDHPs combine an HSA or HRA with the traditional coverage offered by health maintenance organization and fee-for-service plans.
Any unused money in your HSA rolls over from year to year and stays with you, even if you change plans or leave the Postal Service.
HDHPs are one of several options available to Postal Service employees during this year’s open season benefits enrollment period, which concludes Monday, Dec. 10.
The Open Season LiteBlue page has more information.