Employer paying premium – which plan to use?

My spouse started a new job. The employer will be paying the premium for both my spouse and I. The employer will not be contributing to an HSA but is offering us an HSA Gold or an HMO Gold plan. We will be enrolling for September. Unfortunately, the plan follows the calendar year, so we will re-enroll in January as well. The details:

BCN HSA Gold Option

– Deductible: 2,500 member / 5,000 family ("The full family deductible must be met under a two-person or family contract before benefits are paid for any person on the contract")

– No Copay

– 50% Coinsurance for select items

– OOP 4,500 member / 9,000 family

BCN HMO Gold Option

– Deductible 1,500 member/ 3,000 family

– Fixed dollar copays ($20 PCP, $40 specialist, etc)

– 20% / 50% Coinsurance for select items with 2,000 member / 5,000 family Coinsurance maximum

– OOP 8,150 member / 16,300 family

We are both in our mid 20's and relatively healthy. I was recommended by my PCP to have a diagnostic colonoscopy this year (100% covered by both plans if routine) and would like to have physical therapy for a few ongoing health issues as also recommended by my PCP ($40 copay per visit after deductible for HSA / 100% covered after deductible for HMO). My husband will likely have an annual physical and nothing else, of course noting that emergencies can happen.

I'm feeling a little overwhelmed and am not sure I'm understanding why we would opt for one plan over the other. So far, I've used the spreadsheet and it looks like the HSA will be more expensive annually, but the OOP is appealing. I'll probably arrange for a PCP visit in 2024 and push off PT/Colonoscopy if possible until 2025. I really appreciate any input.

submitted by /u/bhgumg
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