Deductible

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket for covered health services before your insurance plan starts paying. Deductibles reset every plan year (usually January 1 for commercial plans). Plans with lower premiums typically have higher deductibles.

High-deductible health plans (HDHPs) have deductibles of $1,600+ for individuals or $3,200+ for families in 2026. They are paired with HSAs and are most cost-effective for patients who use little care. For Black patients with chronic conditions, HDHPs are usually a more expensive choice once predictable care needs are factored in.