Analysis of HSA grants versus ACA subsidies: Given the problematic GOP idea to create HSA grants instead of subsidies

[Ms. Toad]

12. I'd need to read the actual proposal, or at least an article written by someone who understands it.

The article mixes concepts, so it isn't clear what is being proposed (HSA account - which is an annual pot of money tied to an insurance plan v. an alternative to insurance). The author doesn't seem to understand the distinction between deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.

The amount of money matters.
Whether annual expenses are always exorbitant or just occasionally high.

My daughter always hits her maximum out-of-pocket spend by February - at the latest. So whatever the maximum is, she pays it ever year. I think it's around $3500 this year. Her premiums are relatively low because they are through work in a national company with a relatively young work force. A contribution to her HSA would be worth more to her than premium subsidies because it would lower the $3500 she is guaranteed to spend.

I don't always spend $3500 (or didn't when I had insurance through work). So I would rather have a premium subsidy.

I haven't heard any proposal in the recent talks to replace insurance with a savings account (a disaster for anyone with significant medical issues)