by KYW's Salil Gutt

The rising cost of health care has pushed employers and self employeds into the hands of high deductible health insurance policies also called HSA compatible policies. These are policies with a high deductible, anywhere between $1,000 and $5,000 per person per year where one can also create a tax deductible investment account to pay out of pocket costs.

There is no doubt that HSA's will save a boatload ofmoney for healthier people. However, those who make regular trips to the doctor and need more care regularly may lose out.

Case in point. Many HSA type policies permit free preventive care benefits before the deductible kicks in. Unfortunately what constitutes preventive care differs among carriers. Annual physicals, immunizations, pre-natal and screening services count but there is some fine print. It is important that your doctor communicate with the insurer in advance of your tests so that the correct codes can be applied. Otherwise, you are liable for the costs. With repeated visits you may find the co-pays each time end up being cheaper than the high deductible you are responsible for.