High-deductible health insurance plans are insurance policies in which consumers pay lower monthly premiums but incur higher out-of-pocket costs when visiting doctors and hospitals. In the past decade, high-deductible health plans have become more common. Some believe that these insurance policies will reduce overall health spending, especially on discretionary services, and thereby keep premiums affordable. But some studies show that while trips to the emergency room are reduced, especially for minor ailments, many consumers are also forgoing getting treatment for more serious conditions such as kidney stones or heart trouble. And, when treatment is sought, the cost of treatment is higher due to the increased severity of the illness.

Today’s market size is the number of consumers in the United States with high-deductible health insurance plans as of early 2013, a three-fold increase since 2006.

Geographic reference: United States
Year: 2013
Market size: 13.5 million
Source: Ashley Griffin, “Men Put Off Health Care When It Costs More,” Lansing State Journal, July 21, 2013, pages 1C, 4C
Posted on August 2, 2013