Under the terms HDHPs established by Congress, is it possible for insurance providers ro exclude prescriptions from counting toward the annual deductible AND in the event of a major medical event exceeding the deductible, EXCLUDE coverage of prescriptions???? If this is true, under what circumstances would a plan like this make sense for anyone???????

Shades --

I'd like to answer your Q, but I need a little clarification first, if you don't mind. Regarding prescription coverage not being credited against the deductible, are you talking about

a) a plan that pays for prescription drugs on a first-dollar basis, thereby making the deductible irrelevant for purposes of scrips,

or

b) a plan that simply doesn't cover prescription drugs at all?

My guess is you mean (b), but I want to make sure before I answer so as not to confuse anyone.

Roger Abramson, JD, SPHR
Fontis Healthcare Services

Roger,
Good question. "B" is correct. The Insurance disallows prescriptions from counting toward the deductible and once the deductible is met the consumer still pays for them at 100%. This, in my opinion would effectively neuter the insurance plan in the event of a major medical illness requiring expensive drugs, and seem to go against the reason for HDHPs and HSAs existing in the first place.

thanks.

Can anyone help me with this question??