02/10/2026
Think twice before choosing that “low-cost” health insurance plan.
With rising health insurance costs, many people are opting for plans with high deductibles, with sometimes $3,000 or more. What does that actually mean?
Until you pay that deductible out of pocket, your insurance may not cover a single dollar of your care.
Here’s a real-world example:
Sally has a $3,000 deductible plan.
• $200 is deducted from her paycheck every month
• Each doctor visit costs her $150 out of pocket
• Labs and additional services cost extra
By October, Sally has paid $2,000 out of pocket and can no longer afford to keep going to appointments. However, insurance continues to deduct $200 per month from her pay.
By the end of the year:
• The insurance company collected $2,200
• The insurance company paid $0 toward her care
• Sally’s total cost was $4,200
High-deductible plans can be a good option if someone is anticipating a major surgery or medical procedure. Otherwise, they often shift the financial burden entirely onto the patient while insurers continue to profit.
Bottom line: A lower monthly premium does not always mean a lower overall cost. Read the fine print, ask questions, and consider both your healthcare needs and your finances before choosing a plan.
MentalHealthMatters
