<prompt> Human: Long time reader, first time poster. I just started a new job and have to pick a health plan for me and my new wife. I have found a lot of discussion about high vs low deductible plans, but in my case the real choice is between a high deductible plan and an HMO. Here are the details:Wife and I: 29 and 30, moderately healthy. I have slightly high cholesterol, she has an old injury that did not heal quite right. Otherwise healthy. Not planning on having kids.Here are the insurance plans:Option 1: High-Deductible plan with HSA.Cost: 325 per month.Deductible: 2,600.Out of pocket maximum: 6,850.Coinsurance: 10, 20-40 for drugs.Employer contribution to HSA: 1,200.Option 2: HMOCost: 310 per month.Deductible: none.Out of pocket maximum: 7,000.Coinsurance: none.Copays: 15 for doctor visits, 25 for specialists, 10-35 for drugs.Now, at first I thought the HMO was leaps and bounds better. Especially since it also includes dental and vision trying to figure out details now which means it may also save me another 55 per month. But then I started reading about the HSA and it sounds appealing.Considering money goes into the HSA pre-tax I only need to put in 1,400 pre-tax to reach the deductible, and 5,550 to reach the maximum allowable contribution. It would not be easy, but I think we could do that. The tax-free investment nature of it appeals to me greatly, especially considering we have about 35 years of work life ahead of us.Other information: Our combines income fluctuates a bit, because my wife works as a contractor, but it is around 150k per year pre-tax, give or take 25k. I invest 5 into a 403b to get the full employer match. We plan to buy a house in about 3 years.If I need to post any other information, let me know.  <response>: While Im a big fan of HSAs, the fact that the HMO is cheaper than the HDHP is bizarre. Normally HDHPs are a fraction of the cost of an HMO, I think my job is cost of the HDHP is 12 of the HMO. Id probably go with the HMO in this case because youre not really getting any incentive to go with the HDHP besides the tax savings, and thats if you contribute the max. At this rate, one out of pocket ER visit or doctors visit is going to probably put the HMO ahead due to the low co pays. 