Out of pocket maximum: will payment plan for a current bill count towards the new year’s maximum?

I have a $1,500 bill from Kaiser Permanente (many high-risk pregnancy tests) which I would rather not pay all at once. I chose a payment plan of $400/month. Even with this amount, I will not hit my out-of-pocket maximum for the current plan year.

I am in open enrollment season with my employer-sponsored plan and opted for a higher cost, lower out-of-pocket plan with Kaiser. I tried to speak with Kaiser about how my plan transition will work, and the only thing I was told is that my contributions to the out of pocket and deductible will reset to $0 for the new plan year and run June 2023-May 2024. My question is: generally, will the payments I make beginning in June be applied to my new annual OOP max, even for services provided under the previous plan year? If so, I will adjust the terms of repayment so it doesn’t start until my new plan kicks in.

I know every plan and company is different, so all I’m looking for is what is typical or usual in this situation. This is an HMO plan based in VA, if relevant. Thanks!

submitted by /u/SheilaGirlface
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