Health Insurance Product Reviews (BETA)
Major Carriers and High Deductible Health Plans

Vimo Editorial: Health Plan Profile

HumanaOne's Autograph insurance line includes three health plans designed for health consumers interested in taking charge of their own well being. These plans qualify the holder for a Health Savings Account (HSA), a tax-advantaged account that enables the holder to save pre-income tax dollars for future healthcare expenditures.

The Share 80/HSA features 80 percent coinsurance and a $2 million lifetime benefit (with a $5 million buy-up option). Total / HSA features 100 percent coinsurance – in other words, it pays 100 percent of the costs of going to a doctor after deductible (while Share 80 pays 80 percent).

The plans come in a variety of deductibles: $2,000 or $3,000 for Share 80 / HSA; $2,000, $3,000, $4,000 or $5,200 for Total / HSA; and $1,500, $2,500, $3,500 and $5,000 for Total Plus Rx / HSA. Basically you are given a wide range of premiums and deductibles to choose from. Total Plus Rx has a higher lifetime coverage: $5 million with the option to buy up to $8 million.

Total Plus Rx also comes with drug expenses integrated into the deductible, something the other plans don't do. In other words, when you make a prescription drug purchase under Total Plus Rx, it eats into your deductible. That isn't the case for the Share and Total plans. Keep in mind that plan benefits can change over time and may vary by state, so be sure to verify all this plan's benefits with a health insurance agent.

BEST FOR: Someone interested in an HSA-qualified plan that gives them maximum control of their own health-care financial plan.

PROS: This line of HumanaOne plans offer a balance between affordability and coverage. Custom made for use with an HSA, they deliver predictable out-of-pocket costs to the holder and let users take charge of their well being. There are a significant number of optional add-ons available. As part of a trio of new plan lines introduced by Humana – including the Monogram and Portrait plans – this also gives you the option of adding a supplemental accident benefit for accidental injuries only. This benefit isn't subject to deductible or coinsurance, and places no limit on the number of accidents per year that are covered. The plan offers up to $300 of preventive care benefits per year, not subject to the deductible.

CONS: All high deductible plans by definition come with a high deductible, which means you're responsible for much of your health bill.