Me and my colleagues (actuaries by training) ran some very interesting what-if scenarios based on our companies insurance packages, and every single scenario in

Me and my colleagues (actuaries by training) ran some very interesting what-if scenarios based on our companies insurance packages, and every single scenario indicated that going with the highest deductible (or HSA) was more cost effective for the employee...the employer (with the insurance companies) had stacked the deductibles and cost structure to shift the risk from the company to the employee. And the medical providers (not the insurance company) will always have discounts on their procedures...just have to ask for them. Makes one wonder how steep the mark-ups are.