This puts together (SDHP) the skin of a PPO based
plan with the added feature of a Self Directed Account (SDA). The SDA
is funded with a maximum quarterly allowance and yearly balance to use
for certain types of routine or preventive care services. Unused funds
roll over to next year, allowing enrollees to save for health care expenses.
Signature Freedom, the self directed health plan from PacifiCare, for
instance, gives an allowance of $1,000 per year ($250 per quarter) in
a Self Directed Account (SDA). It can be used for certain types of preventative
care services, including:
. Consultations
. Physical Exams
. Well Baby
. Well Woman
. Physician Home and Office Visits
. Diagnostic Testing
. Immunizations
. Office Radiology
If you do not use the entire $1,000 in your SDA each year, the remaining
funds will be rolled over to use the next year and the year after that,
allowing you to build a savings for health care expenses. If you do
not go to the doctor that often, a plan like this might be just right
for you. It's affordable, so you are not overpaying for services you'll
never use, yet your SDA allows you to get the anticipatory care you
need to stay fit.
High deductibles mean that if you need medical care
that is not covered by your SDA, like inpatient surgery or emergency
room visits, your plan will cover what's left once you pay the deductible.
Pharmacy benefits entitle you to prescription drug coverage.
What's more is that you can see any doctor you want. But if you want
to be rewarded with lower costs, you can choose a provider from the
approved PPO network.
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