To help you prepare for the Benefits Open Enrollment period, October 6 – October 31, 2025, the below information highlights the similarities and differences of the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and non-HDHP. You should choose a health insurance plan design that best fits your needs. Changes made during Benefits Open Enrollment are effective January 1, 2026.
Similarities between the HDHP and non-HDHP
- In-network preventive services are covered at 100 percent
- Federally required preventive drugs are covered at 100 percent
- Both have a premium. A premium is the amount deducted from your paycheck to pay for your health insurance.
- Both have a deductible. A deductible is the amount you pay for medical care before your insurance plan starts to pay, except for preventive services.
- Coinsurance is 10 percent. This means that you pay 10 percent of a covered service and the insurance company pays 90 percent.
- Both allow participation in the Well Wisconsin program to earn a $150 wellness incentive
- Both have an Access plan option which provides nationwide coverage (note: you will have lower out-of-pocket expenses when you use in-network providers)
Differences between the HDHP and non-HDHP
- HDHPs have lower premiums but a higher deductible. Non-HDHPs have higher premiums but a lower deductible.
- HDHPs have an annual deductible that includes medical services and pharmacy benefits. Non-HDHPs have an annual deductible for medical services and do not have a deductible for pharmacy benefits.
- HDHPs have a combined annual out-of-pocket limit that includes medical services and pharmacy benefits. Non-HDHPs have separate out-of-pocket limits for medical services and pharmacy benefits.
- HDHPs include a tax-deductible Health Savings Account (HSA) to help you prepare for out-of-pocket expenses
- HDHPs include an employer contribution to your HSA
For more information, review the State Group Health Insurance web page.
Source: Universities of Wisconsin Office of Human Resources