Employers Shifting Toward High-Deductible Health Care Plans

According to new research from America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), roughly 13.5 million people are covered by high-deductible insurance policies — an 18 percent increase from 2011. AHIP tracked policies that have a deductible of at least $1,200 for a single person or $2,400 for a family. Consumers pay lower monthly premiums in exchange for the higher out-of-pocket costs.

High-deductible plans initially appealed mostly to people who buy coverage on their own, but now the biggest customer base comes from large employers. In 2005, employer-based plans made up only 19 percent of high-deductible plans. That share has risen to 59 percent this year.