GeoffM

We're on a high deductible health insurance now which is quite new to us (if you ignore the previous insurer who declined to cover a lot without fighting or paying for it). I'm already discovering that it may be cheaper to pay cash for some things, using online discount codes or simply going direct - for example a LabCorp test costing me $30 cash or $50 through insurance. However, I'm aware that paying cash would mean not hitting the $3200 individual limit where insurance starts to pay out, not that I expect to hit it even if I did go through insurance. Are there any other pitfalls or tricks I should know? I assume it's still tax deductible if, heaven forbid, we spend 10% of our AGI (or whatever it is) on healthcare?

Thanks.

Anian

If you don't have/need an FSA then get an HSA (I don't think you can have both). You can put pre-tax money into it for healthcare expenses, so you save money that way. The money never expires like an FSA.

Rete

I thought you and the family were leaving the US soon to reside and work in the Philippines? So you won't have much time to use a high deductible if that still holds true. But with kids and accidents, broken arms, legs, etc. you never can tell.

I know you don't have an FSA or a HSA as you are self-employed.

Giantaxe

If you have a high deductible plan, self-employed people can have an HSA.

GeoffM

Philippines plan is "not yet" - we're going next week on holiday, boots on the ground research too.

I'm self employed but the insurance comes through my employed wife.

My primary doctor's office couldn't decide if they were in network or not yesterday. Somewhat concerning. I'm expecting a big bill.