QHDHPs, or qualified high deductible health plans, are a type of insurance plan with a higher medical deductible that typically costs less than a traditional health plan. Paired with a health savings account (HSA), these accounts can be used to help pay for higher out-of-pocket expenses. Each year, the IRS sets out-of-pocket limits, and the 2021 amounts are higher than 2020.

BCBSND will update the deductible and out-of-pocket maximums for our fully insured QHDHPs, if necessary. Clients with self-funded arrangements will need to confirm their deductible and out-of-pocket amounts when they renew.

• IRS Minimum Deductible:
  Single: $1,400
  Family: $2,800
• IRS Maximum Out-of-Pocket:
  Single: $7,000
  Family: $14,000

Also, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the maximum out-of-pocket limit for HDHPs under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). ACA maximum out-of-pocket expenses for HDHPs:

• Single: $8,550 (increased from $8,150 in 2020)
• Family: $17,100 (increased from $16,300 in 2020)