Question
My employer is discontinuing the PPO option for our health plan next year and going to high deductible health plans only. Can you explain to me what an HDHP is and how it will apply to me as an HIV+ person?
Answer
It will mean that you will have to pay a substantial amount of medical bills out of your pocket before the insurance company pays anything. Some of these plans allow you to set aside money tax-free to pay the bills until the insurance kicks in, but it is still your money you must use.
You may want to look into an Obamacare plan as enrollment will be open again November 15 for a January 1 effective date. You should talk to an enroller or navigator about it; you can find one on your state's exchange site or at www.healthcare.gov.
It doesn't sound like your employer's plan will satisfy the minimum requirements for coverage under Obamacare. If so, then you may switch to an individual plan and be eligible for the government subsidies under it.
Good luck, Jacques