HDHP + HSA Plan
PPO Plan
HSA Details
Enter both plan details, then click compare.
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What This Calculator Does
This health insurance deductible break-even calculator helps employees, self-employed individuals, and HR professionals compare the total annual cost of an HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan) with HSA versus a traditional PPO plan. It calculates total costs at three medical spending levels (low, moderate, and high), factors in HSA tax savings, and identifies which plan is more cost-effective based on your expected healthcare usage. All default values reflect 2026 IRS limits from Revenue Procedure 2025-19.
The Formula
The total cost of a health plan is the sum of annual premiums and out-of-pocket medical costs. Out-of-pocket costs are capped at the plan's OOP maximum. For HDHP plans, the HSA tax savings reduce the effective cost. HSA contributions are tax-deductible, and the tax savings equal your contribution multiplied by your marginal tax rate. The break-even point is the medical spending level where the HDHP total cost equals the PPO total cost.
Step-by-Step Example
Enter HDHP details
HDHP premium: $250/month. Deductible: $1,700. OOP max: $8,500. Coinsurance: 20%. HSA contribution: $4,400.
Enter PPO details
PPO premium: $450/month. Deductible: $500. OOP max: $5,000. Coinsurance: 20%.
Compare at spending levels
At $1,000 medical spend: HDHP costs $3,032 (after $968 HSA tax savings), PPO costs $5,900. HDHP saves $2,868.
Find break-even
The HDHP remains cheaper until medical spending exceeds approximately $8,000 to $12,000, depending on plan specifics.
Real-World Use Cases
Open Enrollment Decisions
Compare your employer's HDHP and PPO options to choose the plan that minimizes total annual healthcare costs based on your expected usage.
HSA Strategy Planning
Quantify the tax savings from maxing out your HSA contribution and see how it shifts the break-even point in favor of the HDHP.
HR Benefits Communication
HR teams can use this tool to help employees understand the true cost comparison between plan options during enrollment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Comparing only monthly premiums without factoring in deductibles, coinsurance, and OOP maximums. A lower premium does not always mean a lower total cost.
Ignoring HSA tax savings. At a 22% tax bracket with a $4,400 contribution, the HSA saves $968 in taxes, which significantly changes the cost comparison.
Not considering the HSA as a long-term investment vehicle. HSA funds roll over year to year and can be invested for retirement, adding value beyond the current year.
Assuming you will always have high medical spending. Healthy individuals and families with low utilization almost always save money with an HDHP plus HSA combination.
Forgetting that employer HSA contributions count toward the annual limit. If your employer contributes $500, your maximum personal contribution for 2026 is $3,900 (self-only).
Frequently Asked Questions
Accuracy and Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates based on the plan details you enter and 2026 IRS limits (Rev. Proc. 2025-19). Actual costs depend on your specific plan design, network discounts, prescription coverage, and actual medical utilization. Consult your HR department or insurance broker for plan-specific details.
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