Originally Posted by
RockyBoy
I calculate the HRA gold plan went up 8%. Nothing else changed so not sure where the 20% is coming from. I get your point though, 3% per year doesn't cut it even if healthcare didn't go up.
I switched to the Silver HRA from gold because I have almost $5000 in the HRA account....we have been very lucky the last 3 years on the healthcare costs. $99/mo for a family is good and if I have a worst case scenario disaster it will really only cost me $3000 more than the Gold after they use all my HRA money and I save $2000 in premiums. If we could roll HRA money into an HSA I would switch to one of those, but I'll lose all my HRA money so I guess I'll stay there until I use it someday.
For the newbies coming in....if you look around corporate America we still have very good, and cheap, healthcare compared to most companies. Most people will pay over $400 per month for a high deductible plan that costs us $99 for a family.
Rocky,
You may want to look into this more... I'm not an expert (so be sure to verify any info), but I believe the hsa money stays with you and can be used in subsequent medical (non hsa) plans. I think what you want to do is possible. The money stays in the hsa, but can be used to cover any medical expenses even in a hra plan. You cannot contribute any more $$, but you can spend what you already have without tax implications. In addition I think you can roll over the money to an Ira or just keep it as an investment account until retirement. If you are considering changing plans you may want to give Delta or ALPA a call.