 TITLE: What Is a High Deductible Health Plan? CONTENT: How to Save Money on Health Insurance\n-------------------------------------\nThere are several strategies you can employ to reduce your health insurance costs. Here are a few:\n*   **Use an employer's health insurance plan if offered.** Getting insurance through your employer or your spouse's employer is generally cheaper than buying your own.\n*   **Stay in network for your medical care.** You'll typically pay more for using an out-of-network provider; some plans won't pay for them at all. In addition, an HDHP's out-of-pocket maximum limit only applies to in-network care.\n*   **Know how your plan works.** For example, you may need preapproval for certain procedures or a referral to see a specialist. Fail to follow the rules, and your plan may not pay.\n*   **Set up an HSA** and set aside pretax income you can then use for qualified health care costs, including copayments, coinsurance, prescriptions and medical procedures. Some employers offer HSAs, or you can open one yourself.\n*   **Ask about tax-advantaged employer plans.** Some employers offer health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) or flexible spending accounts (FSAs), which are tax-advantaged ways to pay qualifying medical costs. They work slightly differently: An FSA is funded by pretax contributions you make, while your employer funds an HRA for you (you cannot contribute) and you withdraw money tax-free. Both types of accounts are owned by your employer, so if you leave your job, you'll lose the funds. END