What is one major characteristic of High-Deductible Health Plans with a Savings Option (HDHP/SO)?

High-Deductible Health Plans with a Savings Option (HDHP/SO) have the defining characteristic of high patient out-of-pocket expenditures. This is because HDHPs are designed to have lower monthly premiums and higher deductibles compared to traditional health insurance plans. Enrollees are required to pay a larger share of their healthcare costs before insurance kicks in, which can result in significant out-of-pocket expenses for individuals and families until they reach their deductible thresholds.

Additionally, the integration of a savings option, such as a Health Savings Account (HSA), allows individuals to set aside pre-tax dollars to help cover these high costs. This design encourages consumers to be more engaged in their healthcare decisions and spending, as they are often responsible for a larger portion of their medical expenses.

In contrast, low out-of-pocket costs, guaranteed coverage for all services, and mandatory enrollment in an HMO are not characteristic of HDHP/SO plans. These attributes generally apply to different types of health insurance models that prioritize lower out-of-pocket costs or specific provider networks, which diverges from the HDHP/SO framework.