Choosing Plan

I am starting a new position and I need to choose between two plans. One is a high deductible plan and the other is not. I guess it’s more traditional, with copays and such. I am struggling with the cost breakdown.

The traditional plan has a $500 deductible and 20% coinsurance with $50 specialist copays and $25 primary care copays. The premium is about $50 a pay check (a bit less than $1200 for the year). I can do an FSA and my employer will contribute $250 towards that.

The high deductible plan has a $3200 deductible, but my employer will provide $600 towards the deductible and $600 towards the HSA I would be eligible for. The premium is about $17 a pay check (a bit less than $420 for the year).

I see A LOT of doctors including a physical therapist and mental health professionals (therapist and psychiatrist). I have a chronic condition that required surgery in 2023 and will likely require another surgery, but probably not in the upcoming year. I take a medication that costs $2100 a month with no generics and I’m anticipating I’ll be able to get it approved on my new plan.

I WILL meet the deductible on the high deductible plan, and I can meet it in about a month with my medication alone. Is the savings on premiums and the contributions from my employer enough to make it the better option for me?

I don’t know if I’ll hit the OOP Max on the traditional plan. The OOP max on both plans is $3500. I would do the FSA if I do the traditional plan and I would put the max in. Having that money upfront would be helpful. The HSA money would be deposited over time, but I would get the $600 to start from my employer. I only make about $60k and I am paying my way out of some debt (about $7000 currently coasting in a balance transfer at .99% APR). I also have significant student loans, and I’m working towards PSLF (going into year 7/10). I want to make the lowest payment possible, so I am looking to do as much as possible with the pre tax dollars so my discretionary income is less.

What would y’all advise? I feel like the High Deductible plan might be the better option because of the employer contributions, but I don’t know.