updated June 28, 2011


Our guest asks:

I received a quote for the CelticSaver HSA PPO- 100/0 3000 package this morning. The VERY low out-of-pocket maximum in addition to the $260+ monthly savings I would be seeing over my current plan make me wonder ‘what’s the catch?’

I am currently enrolled in health insurance through my small (~50 people) company and paying $623/month for an 80/20 plan with $8000 family deductible and $10000 family out-of-pocket max. Why is this plan so cheap? I am 29 years old, married with 2 kids (2 1/2 and 5 months old). I need to find a cheaper plan that keeps my family covered.

OnlineAdviser responds:

Celtic Insurance and similar high quality individual insurance carriers are less expensive than your group plan primarily because: 1) your age gives you a discount (age-based rating is not available in group insurance), 2) only healthy applicants are accepted (compared to all accepted in a group plan), and 3) maternity coverage is not included. A switch to Celtic Insurance would otherwise accomplish your goal and possibly improve some other coverage features as you mentioned.

I have no hesitation recommending the switch unless you have significant pre-existing conditions that would bar acceptance or if you anticipate another child in the near future.

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