Hey guys,
I know I've created a couple threads about this in the past but I don't think I asked about the scenario in which we are *potentially* planning for another kid and where we're currently on a lower-usage/high-deductible HSA, considering switching to HMO per current open enrollment for 2019 (for the lower costs of delivery, etc which could possibly be next year), and then switching back to the HSA right after the potential 2019 delivery. This way we would get the benefits of the lower cost HMO and then when you switch back to the HSA (presumably in the same year) you do a lump sum contribution and *hopefully* can also get the incentives offered by the company (upon completing certain tasks etc). Am I missing anything or not taking something into consideration with this 'strategy'?
Has anyone planned things out this way before? I'd imagine it's better if you can try to plan your pregnancy so that the delivery date is as early as possible into the next year, so that the switch to the HSA would allow for more time in terms of getting the incentives and sorting out logistics of changing doctors... that's the other thing. If we were to switch to HMO, we'd be going to Kaiser, which we have never been with. We'd get all new doctors and all that. Of course, switching back to the HSA later wouldn't be a big deal since we'd already be registered patients with our existing docs.
The difference in savings could range anywhere from roughly $1000 (factoring in the HSA incentives from the company) and likely more but really depends on how much we anticipate spending. So HSA is still more expensive in the near-term. Over the long-term, I suppose we would 'break-even' as we contribute more to the HSA and interest compounds... currently I have the HSA funds invested in VBMFX (yes, they offer Vanguard funds!)
Any tips/pointers or other considerations?