The Math

• If your deductible is $1,500 and your employer contributes $1,000 per year, you would have to pay $500 out-of-pocket if your medical costs went over $1,000 that year. If you didn't use any of the employer's contribution, the next year you would get another $1,000. So you would now have $2,000 available to use towards your $1,500 deductible. You would not have to pay anything out-of-pocket.
  
  

Control

• You decide if you want to get certain tests done. Some doctors will run extra tests to double check a diagnosis. If the test isn't necessary, don't run it. The cost of every test goes against your deductible.
  
  

Concerns

• If you go over the amount your employer contributes, you will have to pay out-of-pocket until your deductible is met. Once the deductible is met, most plans will cover up to 90 percent of costs.
  
  

Benefits

• If you don't have any major health problems, you won't pay anything out-of-pocket for prescriptions or doctors' appointments. You can roll the amount your work contributes every year. By rolling your money, if you do have a major medical problem, you will have the money saved up to cover it.
  
  

Plan Ahead

• Plan your medical needs for the year. If you can wait until January for minor surgery, you will be able to use the funds your employer contributes every year.