If you're taking a high deductible plan-- which you should be-- you should be contributing the (often substantial) savings on your premium to an HSA. In fact th

If you're taking a high deductible plan-- which you should be-- you should be contributing the (often substantial) savings on your premium to an HSA. In fact theres very little reason not to max out the HSA for the year. Once your HSA is at the IRS annual maximum, you have an enormous buffer between the often 20% rate post deductible and the Out of Pocket Maximum-- which the HSA will usually cover most of. You should also participate in an FSA, which being frontloaded can absorb early-year shocks. An HSA is among one of the most tax-advantaged programs you can participate in; I would argue that it is better to contribute just enough to your 401k to get the full employer match and stick all the rest into an HSA.