Reply #16: My deductible is $4300

[exboyfil]

but I am thankful to have the insurance which is 85% subsidized by my employer. I max my HSA every year. This is my 3rd year in the plan, and I am using HSA dollars from the first year to pay for my daughter's braces.

Since we are healthy, and my employer chips in $1300/yr into the HSA we have only paid about $1600/yr for the first two years (all premiums). Our expenses were about matched by the employer's contribution. I have not yet seen the bill for my daughter's CATSCAN so I suspect I am going to really hit my HSA this year.

It hurts everytime we go to the doctor though ($90 for an office visit). While the money comes out of the HSA, I sure would like to be able to save it for future medical needs.

I am ready to sign up for a 8%/8% German style health plan. I would lose a little on the deal (especially in those years with low medical expenses), but I want the portability and the social guarantee that goes along with the insurance (if I lose my job I am not expected to come up with $12K/yr until I find another job). I also want piranhas on the government side negotiating with every health care and drug company provider driving them to the lowest dollar figure. We should not pay more for our drugs than any other developed country.