Health Insurance maze

[zoso1979]

You may find this interesting.

[LEFT]Contribution limits: Beginning in 2013, FSA contributions will be limited to $2,500 each year with annual inflation increases. Today, there are no standard limits, though most employers cap the maximum somewhere below $5,000. Most people put away less than this, but if you are one of those who takes full advantage of your employer’s current maximum, you may see a reduction in the amount you are able to save in the future. Note that this new limit is per employee, regardless of whether you cover just yourself or your full family. The combination of a Health Savings Account and High Deductible Health Plan could allow you save more than double this amount tax-free if you are covering a family. Of course an HDHP is not for everyone.


Read more: Flexible Spending Account Changes on the Way[/LEFT]

[suzy_q2010]

Originally Posted by zoso1979

You may find this interesting.

[LEFT]Contribution limits: Beginning in 2013, FSA contributions will be limited to $2,500 each year with annual inflation increases. Today, there are no standard limits, though most employers cap the maximum somewhere below $5,000. Most people put away less than this, but if you are one of those who takes full advantage of your employer’s current maximum, you may see a reduction in the amount you are able to save in the future. Note that this new limit is per employee, regardless of whether you cover just yourself or your full family. The combination of a Health Savings Account and High Deductible Health Plan could allow you save more than double this amount tax-free if you are covering a family. Of course an HDHP is not for everyone.


Read more: Flexible Spending Account Changes on the Way[/LEFT]

The problem is that OP has been maxing out the current FSA.

With the cancer issue, expensive medications, and high utilization, a traditional plan will probably be more beneficial.

High deductible plans work better for people who are healthy.

[zoso1979]

Originally Posted by suzy_q2010

The problem is that OP has been maxing out the current FSA.

With the cancer issue, expensive medications, and high utilization, a traditional plan will probably be more beneficial.

High deductible plans work better for people who are healthy.

Precisely and my point is, if I understand this correctly, the amount one can contribute to an FSA in 2013 will be reduced. Not good for OP.

"if you are one of those who takes full advantage of your employer’s current maximum, you may see a reduction in the amount you are able to save in the future."

I don't have and answer but, the rules are changing and adhering to old ways of evaluating coverage may not always be the best plan. Regardless, it does suck AND it it is VERY difficult to sort out the facts.

OP doesn't say if both are employed and each has access to their own FSA, but I know in the past, we funded 2 FSAs through each of our employers. I'm not sure if you can do that going foward but it would appear that in 2013 you'd NEED to have 2 FSAs to have the $5000 avail.

[GotBackHome]

gee, that does s^ck. DH hasn't heard about lowering the FSA, but I think we hadn't planned on it being available to us after this year.

I'm self-employed (barely), so I'm covered by his health ins and FSA - I do 't have anything of my own.

Odd.. I was looking at BCBS and their search only lists 1 oncologist! And it's neither of the ones at the hospital we want. I'll have to make calls.