Is it better to opt for a low-deductible plan over HSA plan if planning for pregnancy?
Do costs work out cheaper? Or is it still beneficial to contribute + invest in an HSA, assuming 500$ of employer match?
It is not just company match. You get to contribute pre tax. It is better than 401k. Very first year, it is better to skip HSA then come back to it.
Why? My friend and their wife are planning on having a baby this year and they both decided on HSA, because once they hit their deductible they don't pay anything else - they plan to max out their HSA
I would say it depends on the plan and how you manage finances. Also remember for the first month baby will be in your insurance
Depends on plan details, your tax rate, and premiums . Literally should take 10 minutes in Excel to decide. For my company, because of HSA match and low premium and out of pocket maximum, one of the high deductible plans is better even for high spend year, unless you want Kaiser.
I assume HSA match covers deductible and not entire out of pocket maximum? Kaiser premium is little high but it still saves money I feel. If you opt in for FSA, it can get even cheaper. I have been using HSA plan because I am still young and didn't have the need to go to hospitals. So just accumulating HSA money. But Kaiser seems to be a better option when I need frequent hospital visits, no ?
Low deductible.