high-deductible health plan (HDHP)
Definition
A health insurance policy that requires covered individuals to pay a high out of pocket cost for medical care (usually over $1000) before any costs will be paid by the plan. Such plans have lower premiums than traditional health insurance policies. This makes them attractive to employers seeking to manage the cost of providing workplace benefits. The IRS requires participation in a high-deductible health plan for employees and self-employed individuals who wish to use a tax-exempt health savings account to defray the cost of medical care.
