Should I choose Aetna Standard or Premium HDHP (Employer provided)?

We’re currently in open enrollment for next year and the difference in Bi-weekly cost between the Premium and Standard HDHP plan is small/ approx. $18.59. The premium includes much better coverage at 80% co-insurance (more numbers below) and a much smaller deductible.

I’m a healthy 29yr old, but I’m anticipating a possible minor surgery next year and last year a co-worker of mine ended up in the hospital unexpectedly and the Premium HDHP saved him a ton of money (like not going to be in severe debt). I know accidents can happen, so I just wonder if paying $20 more for a better deductible is worth it. Either way, I’ll still have my HSA and routine care.

This year, I felt like I couldn’t get anything done outside of the basics, because my deductible was so high. I needed mental health services and quickly ran out of money, since I couldn’t reach my deductible – this concerns me the most. Any advice would be fantastic, thanks!

Link to more info on coverages:

https://imgur.com/a/LjRTg4o

(not in the graphs, but coverage also includes Mental Health services, Alcohol/Drug Abuse Services, and other services like acupuncture at the same rates)

For Premium:

We receive credits that go towards my total medical costs (so including Dental: $16.40 & HSA Contribution: $30).

Total bi-weekly I’d pay: $146.44

For Standard:

Total bi-weekly I’d pay: $127.85

AETNA Premium HDHP (Biweekly)

You Pay: $253.88
Credits: $153.84

AETNA Standard HDHP (Biweekly)

You Pay: $235.29
Credits: $153.84

And coverages:

STANDARD:

60% Co-Insurance, Highest Deductible ($2500), No hospital indemnity plan.

PREMIUM:

80% Co-Insurance, Lowest Deductible ($1600), Automatic enrollment in hospital indemnity plan.

See also  ChatGPT an unexpected blessing for trying to pick the best providers in your insurance network! (Especially for Medicaid!)