The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has officially come out against high-deductible health plans. In their policy statement, published this week in the journal Pediatrics, the group contended high-deductible consumer-driven health plans are often bad for children. Given the financial burden filling the health savings account, low- and moderate-income families and families whose children have special medical needs may very well delay or even avoid seeking needed care, the AAP suggested. To mitigate these risks, such plans should provide first-dollar coverage for preventive services, as well as offering expanded preventive care where needed, the AAP said. The group also suggests that the industry do more to educate patients on the pluses and minuses of such coverage.
To find out more about the AAP's position:
- read the AAP's policy statement