I have a high-deductible health insurance plan through my employer. I consider myself extremely fortunate to even have health insurance, because I couldn’t imagine paying for my medicines and all my doctor appointments without it.

However, with a high-deductible plan, the only insurance benefit I receive (at least until I hit my deductible) is paying prearranged prices for medicines and doctor visits. As soon as I reach my deductible, then the prices I pay for anything drops significantly. My only problem: I’ve yet to hit my deductible in a calendar year.

I’ve talked with some others on a high-deductible plan and whether or not they hit the deductible depends on their situation—family, medical, or otherwise. Since I don’t have anyone else on my plan, nor do I have any pressing medical concerns (knock on wood), I don’t need to go to the doctor or get a lot of prescriptions.

A lot can be said, both good and bad, about high-deductible plans. I know that they are less costly for the employer which can also benefit the employee. Because it’s not as expensive, less money is taken from an employee’s paycheck; instead the money can be used elsewhere.

I have money put into my Health Savings Account each paycheck to help cover my medical costs, and luckily, I’m at a point where it could cover my deductible if needed. As much as I dislike having to pay a large amount for my medicines on a monthly basis, I know that I’m fortunate to have the money and the insurance to help cover some of it. I may not reach my deductible in a calendar year, but that also means I’m not needing a lot of medical care or procedures (yay for a healthy Kelsey).

Do you meet your deductible or do you struggle like I do?