High-Deductible Plans May Reduce Ambulatory Care Use

Although rates of uninsured Americans are declining because of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), there is growing concern about out-of-pocket expenditures associated with private high-deductible insurance plans. Although lower premiums are attractive to many, the trade-offs are large deductibles (more than $1,200 per person or more than $2,400 per family) and increased risk of medical debt. Many patients with these plans delay or avoid necessary treatment, including ambulatory and preventive care.