"[High-deductible health plans (HDHPs)] promote adverse selection because healthier and wealthier patients tend to opt out of conventional plans in favor of HDHPs. Because the ill pay more than the healthy under HDHPs, families with children with special health care needs bear an increased cost burden in this model. HDHPs discourage use of nonpreventive primary care and thus are at odds with most recommendations for improving the organization of health care, which focus on strengthening primary care. This policy statement provides background information on HDHPs, discusses the implications for families and pediatric care providers, and suggests courses of action."