Let's face it the cost of health insurance plans has been rising about 8% each year. Sadly, this doesn't appear to be getting better either. It may shock you when you realize the simple truth. HSA type catastrophic health plans are much more affordable.

Let's look more closely at the Blue Options HSA plan first.

Why Blue Options HSA plans don't get much consideration:

* People don't understand HSA plans

* They probably never had one offered to them at their job.

* The deductible appears to be very high

* They sometimes believe that the plan is of no use unless the deductible is met

* They have fear of something they don't understand

* They don't know that they can take pre-tax dollars to pay for medically related expenses

* Most people don't understand the concept of statistics and probabilities

* The agent they are using doesn't want to take the time to explain a new plan concept

Let me entice you with some cost comparisons:

In NC, the Blue Options HSA plan for a 29 year old male and a 28 year old female is $237 per month. This plan has a maximum out-of-pocket expense, if either one has to be hospitalized of $5000.

Let's take and example: Jim has to have his gall bladder removed. The cost of the operation is $22,000. What does Jim have to pay? He has to pay $5,000. The insurance company pays the balance due. of $17,000. Heart bypass surgery might cost $130,000 and you would still be out-of-pocket the same amount. It would only cost Jim $5,000 out of his pocket.

Blue Advantage Plan for the same 29 year old male and the 28 year old female is $272 per month. This plan has a maximum out-of-pocket expense, if either one has to be hospitalized, of $5,500. Therefore, the gall bladder operation would cost Jim $5,500 instead of $5,000.

Think about it. The couple have to pay $35 per month more - or $420 more per year to have the Blue Advantage plan.

That doesn't sound too good. You have to pay more every month for the Blue Advantage plan and if you have to use the insurance for a catastrophic occurrence, you pay $500 more out-of-pocket.

So why is the Blue Advantage plan the most popular plan in North Carolina?

The Blue Advantage plan easy to understand, first of all. People like the fact that they can see a doctor for $25, or $50 for a specialist. Medications are only $10 for generic, $35 for preferred brand drug after a $200 annual deductible.

Here's the story: People are afraid that they won't be able to see a doctor for a sick visit without it costing more than their budget can stand.

If you are insured by the Blue Options HSA plan it will cost you more to see a primary doctor, $60 and about $80 to see a specialist. Therefore, to see a doctor you will pay $35 or $55 more.

Let's look at this comparison more closely. On average, people may have to be hospitalized once every 9.2 years. Young healthy people need to see a doctor once per year for a thorough check up. In addition, most young healthy people see a doctor for a cold or other minor health problems one additional time per year.

Shouldn't young healthy people have a catastrophic plan such as the Blue Options HSA plan? Yes! A catastrophic plan will help them get the care they need and the Blue Options HSA plan costs less than the Blue Advantage plan.