I'm not so sure about the HDHP being big profit makers as I think preventive @ 100% is mostly used by the insureds. Why not? It's everything else that you pay pay pay for until deductible. But if you hit deductible, then they cover most everything. Some years you come out ahead, some years they come out ahead, but at least you get your screenings and can contribute to an HSA.We have been on a HDHP for the past year. My only issue with these are that they are pure profit to the insurance companies. If one doesn't ever go over their deductible or use any of the preventative care, those premiums are pure profit. Of course that will help off set those that do go over their deductibles. The problem is that it seems that HDHPs are priced high for what you actually get. Several hundred dollars a month on the individual market is high IMO for what amounts to no coverage if you don't have a catastrophic event where you hit your deductible. I think they are using these plans to subsidize all the other plans they offer, even the more traditional plans.
It would be wonderful if everyone could have an HSA but they are only available w/ HDHP.
Mine is partially subsized so true cost masked. Still, cheapest monthly pay I have had in over a decade (not counting what I voluntarily have deducted from my paycheck to go to HSA). Prescriptions @ $4 shocked me.
If the monthly rate is good, and one can afford to divert cash to HSA, it could be a good way to go, at least short term, if one is generally healthy. Having a build up in the HSA is a valuable tool to have. Now that I have an HSA, I don't ever want to not be able to contribute to one. ymmv