For PPOs, this coinsurance may be different than the coinsurance charged for in-network providers. Also, you may have to pay the total cost of care right away and then file a claim with your insurance company to get the allowable reimbursement for out-of- plan care. 4. What is consumer-directed coverage? Consumer-directed health plans allow individuals and families to have greater control over their health care, including when and how they access care, what types of care they receive, and how much they spend on health care services. The major types of consumer- directed coverage are: • Health savings accounts, usually coupled with high- deductible health plans. • Health reimbursement arrangements. • Flexible spending arrangements. • Archer Medical Savings Accounts. Health Savings Accounts A health savings account is a type of medical savings account that allows you to save money to pay for current and future medical expenses on a tax-free basis. In order to be eligible for a health savings account, you must be covered by a high-deductible plan, not have any other health insurance (including Medicare), and not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return. You can use this account to pay for your qualified health expenses, including expenses that the plan ordinarily doesn’t cover, such as eyeglasses and hearing aids. Expenses paid out of the HSA that are eligible expenses under your high-deductible health plan will count toward the plan’s deductible. During the year, you can make voluntary contributions to your health savings account using before-tax dollars. In some cases, employers may set up and help fund health savings accounts for 11