What Is a HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan) with HSA?
HDHPs have higher deductibles ($1,650+ for individuals in 2026) but lower premiums and qualify you to contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA). The HSA provides a triple tax advantage: pre-tax contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses.
Best for: healthy individuals who want the lowest possible premiums, can afford to pay their deductible if needed, and want to build tax-advantaged savings for future healthcare costs.
Watch out for: HDHPs are not ideal if you have high ongoing medical costs that will consistently exhaust your deductible. Run the numbers: low premium savings may not offset high out-of-pocket costs if you use a lot of healthcare.
HDHP Plans Available in Maryland
The following carriers offer HDHP health insurance plans in Maryland for 2026: CareFirst BCBS, Kaiser Permanente, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare.
The dominant carrier in most Maryland counties is CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield.
Maryland expanded Medicaid in 2014. Kaiser Permanente operates integrated HMO facilities in the Baltimore/DC corridor. Maryland runs its own state marketplace.
Plan availability and premium amounts vary by ZIP code and county. Rural counties often have fewer
carrier options than major metro areas. Always compare all plans available in your specific ZIP code
rather than shopping by carrier name alone.
How to Compare HDHP Plans in Maryland
When comparing HDHP plans in Maryland, look at:
- Network: Confirm your doctors and preferred hospitals are in the plan’s network
- Deductible: How much you pay before insurance starts covering costs
- Out-of-pocket maximum: The most you’ll pay in a plan year
- Premium: Your monthly cost after any applicable ACA subsidies
- Drug formulary: Whether your prescription medications are covered at a preferred tier
An independent broker compares all Maryland marketplace plans in your ZIP code without charging fees.