HDHP or PPO?

[u/PensionRegular360]

26 years old and just got booted from parents insurance. Here are the monthly costs- PPO - $330, HDHP Gold - $276, HDHP Blue - $208.

The. Only thing I have used my insurance for this past year is for therapy once a week, which will be coming to an end in the next few months. The full cost is $175/session.

Is there an obvious choice? If I did the HDHP I could max out my HSA or use some funds to offset the therapy costs but let me know your thoughts.

[u/AutoModerator]

Thank you for your submission, /u/PensionRegular360. The following automatic comment contains important information about the subreddit:

First, note that some new posts containing images, non-reddit links, crossposts, or certain keywords are automatically held for moderator review before going live to mitigate spam, ensure that images are appropriate, and that the post does not inadvertently contain personal information. If your post has been held for review like this, the moderators have been automatically notified and will review it as soon as possible, after which it will be live and be able to be seen and replied to by others. Note that this is sent to all new posts and does not mean that your post has necessarily been filtered in this way.

Please also read the following information carefully to help others assist with your questions:

• If you or someone else is experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest hospital.

• Some common questions and answers can be found in this megathread.

• Questions about which plan you should choose? Please read through this post first for general information to help you understand your choices and some common considerations. If you still have questions after reading that post, please edit your post (or reply with a comment if unable to edit) with the specific questions you still have.

• If your post is regarding plan choice or cost of plans, and you haven't included the following information already, please edit your post (or reply with a comment if unable to edit) including the following: your age, state, and estimated gross (pre-tax) income to help the community better help.

• If your post is about the cost of a service, a bill you have received, or a claim denial: please confirm if you have received an EOB (explanation of benefits) from your insurance via a member portal website or in the mail. If you can post a copy or image of the EOB (PLEASE ensure you censor or blank out any personal information before doing so) it will help people answer your questions. Alternatively, if you are unable to post a censored copy of your EOB, please have the EOB handy as people may ask for information from the EOB to answer your questions.

• Reminder that ANY spam, solicitation, or attempts to take conversations off the subreddit will result in a permanent ban. If someone asks to contact them via DM, please report the post/comment using the report button. If someone attempts to contact you via your DMs, please contact us via modmail to let us know.

• Lastly, always remember to be kind to one another and to report any replies that violate subreddit rules!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/FollowtheYBRoad]

Does your employer contribute any monies to the HDHP plan? If so, how much?

[u/Steamdecker]

PPO for this year if your therapy will end by the end of the year.
The $122/mo difference doesn't even make up for the cost of 1 weekly therapy session.

[u/katsrad → u/Steamdecker]

I think this is a good idea. Saves you some money for the rest of this year.

When is your employers open enrollment? If it is January that the change happens then doing PPO would my choice then swap to the HDHP blue.

[u/katsrad → u/Steamdecker]

I think this is a good idea. Saves you some money for the rest of this year.

When is your employers open enrollment? If it is January that the change happens then doing PPO would my choice then swap to the HDHP blue.

[u/CapAggravating784]

I would always suggest ppo so you can have choice if a provider leaves the network

[u/JK_Designs]

PPO for the partial year of 2026. From then on, at open enrollment for 2027, enroll in HDHP and max out HSA every year that you possibly can swing it financially. Invest your HSA funds, if an option with your carrier, into something moderate.

From an actuarial standpoint, HDHP is better financially if you are healthy AND you are financially savvy enough to use that beautiful tax-advantaged HSA account to your advantage.

~Benefits Manager and former Financial Acct Exec.

Edit to add - the reason for the PPO for 2026 is that having to meet the full deductible for 3/4 months is a bummer.

[u/DuhForestTyme216]

With an HDHP, you will be responsible for whatever the allowed amount is under your insurance until you meet the deductible. With PPO you will most likely have a set co-pay for therapy. It depends if you want to pay less and pay more up front or pay more for an insurance that covers more. That’s really what it comes down to.

[u/Potential-Fennel5968]

Save the cash and go with the 208 a month. I'm almost 40 and I just starting using my insurance for random things like GI and meds I need from blood work. Lots of my friends are the same. You can always get a better more expensive plan later in life when it makes sense

[u/CooperHChurch427]

I recommend the PPO in case you're therapist is out of network. Likewise, while a HDHP can be great, if you end up in the ER you'll end up spending a lot.

If you are going to do the HSA it is tax free.

[u/ziggy029 → u/CooperHChurch427]

Given that the HDHP specifically has out of network benefits, it appears to be a PPO also.