Managing higher out-of-pocket medical costs

Medical costs, like many living costs, are up. In fact, about 20% of Americans would have to borrow to pay a medical bill above $999, and about 68% would have to borrow to pay a medical bill above $9,999. ¹

And when costs go up, stress, worry, and pressure can easily rise, too. If you’re currently feeling worried about paying for care — your own, or a loved one’s — well, you are likely not alone.

In fact, for individuals who are on high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), covering higher out-of-pocket expenses can add to that stress. Nearly 3 in 4 (74%) workers with high medical deductibles report high financial stress,² according to our research.

This unfortunately can have negative long-term effects as employees skip or delay health care to avoid the associated medical costs. In reality, 49% of Americans have skipped or avoided doctor appointments, missed routine screenings, or put off seeing a specialist because of high out-of-pocket medical costs. In 2023, 2 in 5 workers with high-deductible health plans deferred health care to avoid out-of-pocket costs.³

Fortunately, there are steps you can take today to plan and save, which can help you more easily cover high out-of-pocket medical costs and build a stronger foundation for a brighter financial future.

Here’s what you can do

• Make a plan
  Create a savings plan to set aside funds toward any future out-of-pocket expenses, so you’ll be prepared should you need money to help cover health care costs.

• Start a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  If available from your employer, you can start an FSA that allows you to set aside some of your earnings pre-tax and use that money to pay for qualifying expenses, most commonly for medical or dependent care expenses. Since the money isn't taxed, it'll cost you less than if you saved it post-tax.

• Use a Health Savings Account (HSA)
  You can also fund an HSA, which is available depending on the type of medical plan you have, such as a high-deductible plan. This account, too, allows you to set aside money to help cover any out-of-pocket expenses, which will help you save on taxes. Funds can be withdrawn tax-free to pay for or reimburse out-of-pocket medical, dental, and vision costs.

• Enroll in supplemental health insurance
  Supplemental health insurance like accident, critical illness, or hospital indemnity insurance can help cover expenses such as deductibles or copays associated with an accident, illness, or injury.

Supplemental health insurance provides extra protection should you be faced with a serious illness, admitted to a hospital, or suffer an injury. The benefit is paid directly to you and can be used any way you choose. You may choose to use the payment of benefits toward deductibles, copays, transportation, or possibly child care. Several plans also provide benefits that pay you for eligible health or wellness screenings you have done, even if other insurance covered the original cost.

Many of these benefits are made available by employers for as little as a few lattes or a pizza a month, making them an affordable way to get added protection. For help deciding which types of insurance are best for your needs, read more about how supplemental health insurance works.