We asked two professors and authors of ALM's Tax Facts with opposing political viewpoints to share their opinions about whether HDHPs provide a valuable money-saving option for employees and employers.

Below is a summary of the debate that ensued between the two professors.

High deductible health plans (HDHPs) have often been described as an option that allows employers to offer health insurance without the traditionally high price tag.  As the name suggests, employees who participate in HDHPs must satisfy higher deductibles before certain types of health services are covered.  HDHP participation also allows employees to simultaneously fund a health savings account (HSA) with pre-tax dollars.  HDHPs are also subject to certain annual out-of-pocket limits (currently, $8,050 for self-only coverage and $16,100 for family coverage).

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Robert Bloink

Robert Bloink, Esq., LL.M., has taught at the Texas A&M University School of Law and the Thomas Jefferson School of Law; in the past decade, Bloink has initiated $2B+ in insurance & alternative asset class portfolios, and previously served as a senior attorney in the IRS Office of Chief Counsel for the Large- and Mid-Sized Business Division. Bloink is also the co-author of Tax Facts, a reference solution that helps to answer critical tax questions and provides the latest tax developments.

William H. Byrnes

William Byrnes, Esq., LL.M., CWM, is an executive professor and associate dean of special projects at the Texas A&M University School of Law. A pioneer of online legal education, he also is the author or co-author of 20 tax books and legal treatises. Byrnes is also the co-author of Tax Facts, a reference solution that helps to answer critical tax questions and provides the latest tax developments.