What can I do

[dh003i]

I've talked to the benefits department of my employer several times about HSA's. However, nothing seems to be happening. Right now, my employer provides the typical low-deductible health insurance coverage (which isn't really even insurance, but pre-paid healthcare).

Can I obtain an Health Savings Account and the special high-deductible insurance plan separate from my employer?

Or does the fact that my employer provides insurance prevent me from doing this? If so, do I have any legal options to ask them not to pay for this, so that I can open an HSA? I really think that -- even if I had to pay for a high-deductible health-insurance policy -- the savings account option from a Health Savings Account would ultimately be greatly to my benefit, both in terms of saving money and accumulating money. Particularly so since I am young and in good health.

[Gary Lesser]

No, you need employer cooperation.

[GBurns]

If your employer's plan allows you not to enroll, you can opt out and pay for your own HDHP and HSA.

While you might be young and in good health, Can you state how long that will last? When you are not in good health can you state what your illness and the costs of treatment will be? Unless you can make such predictions, being young and in good health this month has no relevance, unless you do think that only people over a certain age get sick or injured.

Have wondered why the vast majority of employers are not offering HSAs or HRAs? Have you asked your employer Why not?

Are HSA qualified HDHPs even available in your state and area of your state? If available, is that coverage and provider network etc etc acceptable?

[Don Levit]

GBurns wrote about the employer allowing you to disenroll. If the questioner decided to buy an individual policy (and was double covered until the next open enrollment period), he could decide not to participate in the group plan, right?

Don Levit