
A Consumer-Directed Health Plan (CDHP) through Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a type of health insurance that gives you more control over your healthcare expenses.
You can choose a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to set aside pre-tax dollars for medical expenses.
HSAs are paired with High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs), which have lower premiums but higher deductibles.
This combination allows you to save money on taxes while still covering essential medical costs.
Check this out: Bcbs Blue Advantage Providers
What Is a Consumer-Directed Health Plan?
A Consumer-Directed Health Plan, or CDHP, is a type of health insurance plan that allows you to take a more active role in managing your healthcare expenses. The CDHP is managed by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) and is the only U-M health plan that meets the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requirements to pair with an HSA.
One of the key benefits of a CDHP is that it has the lowest monthly premium cost. However, you may incur higher out-of-pocket costs depending on the amount of care you need. This is because you pay co-insurance after the deductible is met, rather than having a fixed copayment.
The CDHP covers the same medical services as other plans, including no out-of-pocket costs for preventive care and screenings. You can find a participating CDHP provider by searching online or checking with your doctor to see if they accept this plan.
To be eligible for a CDHP, you must be able to afford to cover the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum in case of an unexpected medical expense. This is not a qualifying event to change plans, so it's essential to carefully consider your healthcare needs before enrolling.
Here are some scenarios where a CDHP might be a good choice:
- You want lower monthly deductions from your paycheck in exchange for higher out-of-pocket costs at the time of care.
- You can afford to cover the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum if an unexpected medical expense arises.
- You want flexibility in how you spend and save for your health care.
- You are generally healthy and do not have significant ongoing medical needs or costs.
- You want pre-tax savings to pay for eligible medical expenses with an HSA.
- You want a healthcare emergency safety net.
The CDHP is a powerful financial tool that gives you more control of your healthcare decisions. An HSA is a tax-favored, interest-bearing account that active State employees can use to pay for qualified medical expenses now, or in the future.
Eligibility and Availability
You can choose from various health plans, including Aetna OAP, BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois OAP, and HealthLink OAP. Additionally, you may select from an HMO Plan, Consumer-Driven Health Plan (CDHP), or Quality Care Health Plan (QCHP).
To be eligible for the Consumer-Driven Health Plan (CDHP), you must enroll or re-enroll in a Flexible Spending Account each plan year. If you enroll in an HSA, the MCAP benefit is not available.
Here are some health plans that offer the CDHP:
- Aetna CDHP
Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the CDHP with HSA, you'll need to meet certain requirements. One of the main ones is that you must be enrolled in the Consumer-Directed Health Plan (CDHP).
You'll also need to have a valid Social Security number on file. This is a crucial piece of information for the IRS, which governs HSAs.
Having a home address on file, not a P.O. Box, is also a requirement. This ensures that you can receive important documents and notifications.
You cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax return. This means you'll need to be an independent individual with your own tax filing status.
You cannot be covered under any other non-HDHP health coverage. This includes medical benefits like hospital stays, surgeries, or doctor visits, excluding dental, vision, or preventative care.
Here are the specific circumstances that prevent you from enrolling in the CDHP with HSA:
- Have not received any medical benefits (excluding dental, vision or preventative) during the previous three months from:
You'll need to review these requirements carefully to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the CDHP with HSA.
Health Plan Availability
You have several options when it comes to health plans. Aetna OAP, BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois OAP, and HealthLink OAP are available.
You can also choose from an HMO Plan, the Consumer-Driven Health Plan (CDHP), or Quality Care Health Plan (QCHP). These plans are administered by Aetna.
Here are the available HMO plans:
- Aetna HMO
- BlueAdvantage HMO
- Health Alliance HMO
- HMO Illinois
Additionally, the Consumer-Driven Health Plan (CDHP) and Quality Care Health Plan (QCHP) are available, both administered by Aetna.
Benefits and Considerations
The BCBS CDHP offers a Consumer-Directed Health Plan with a Health Savings Account, which can be a great option for those who are generally healthy and don't need to visit their healthcare provider often.
This plan has the lowest monthly premium cost, but you may incur higher out-of-pocket costs depending on the amount of care you need.
The CDHP covers the same medical services as other plans, including no out-of-pocket costs for preventive care and screenings, and you pay co-insurance after the deductible is met.
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If you're considering this plan, it's essential to note that financial hardship created from the costs for the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum is not a qualifying event to change plans.
Here are some key benefits and considerations to keep in mind:
- Lower premium cost
- Higher annual deductible
- Maximum out-of-pocket expenses are limited to a finite amount
- Payroll contributions to the HSA are tax-free
- UAB contributes to your HSA
- You can set aside more to cover expenses, with a maximum of $4,150 for single coverage and $8,300 for families in 2024
- You can save for the future, and all the money you invest is yours to keep
- You can take the funds with you, even if you retire or go to another employer
It's also worth noting that J-1 and J-2 visa holders are not eligible to enroll in the CDHP.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BCBS CDHp plan?
The BCBS CDHP plan is a type of PPO health insurance with a higher deductible and lower premium compared to traditional plans. It empowers consumers to take a more active role in managing their healthcare expenses and benefits.
What's the difference between CDHp and PPO?
With a CDHP, you pay medical costs upfront, whereas a PPO typically covers costs after a copay, with extra expenses covered by the plan
Which is better CDHP or HDHP?
If you want to save on taxes and have more control over your medical expenses, a CDHP with HSA might be the better choice. However, if you don't need the HSA benefit, an HDHP could be a more straightforward option.
Sources
- https://www.bcbsm.com/employers/network-choices/cdh/
- https://hr.umich.edu/benefits-wellness/health-well-being/health-plans/consumer-directed-health-plan
- https://www.uab.edu/reporter/campus/benefits-policies/item/10315-consumer-driven-health-plans-can-make-good-financial-sense
- https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee/statehealth.html
- https://www.uab.edu/reporter/campus/benefits-policies/item/10109-consumer-driven-health-plan-can-make-good-financial-sense
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