[chicagobob]

Only partially. Often at the time of consumption cost isn't something one can use to make decisions. But for those other times, sure it would help.

Speaking of lack of info about pricing you might find this interesting: https://www.statnews.com/2017/02/06/health-insurance-high-de...

[triangleman]

Great article. It's not just about pricing info, it's about the nationwide move to HDHP's and HSA's.

Personally I'm pretty happy with my HSA, because now the list of things I can spend my healthcare dollar on is much longer:

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf

Lots of those things would not be covered by a traditional health insurance plan.

But of course, it means we have chosen to forego health care and services in some cases, like the author of the article above. In one case we turned down an ambulance and drove ourselves to the hospital, which saved some money.

[HarryHirsch]

we have chosen to forego health care and services in some cases

Only in America do you choose to forgo healthcare when you are at a conference and caught food poisoning because you aren't really sure if the hospital will take your health insurance. Where do I apply for my medal for saving the system some money?

[mgkimsal]

"because now the list of things I can spend my healthcare dollar on is much longer:"

Longer than what? 8 years ago, I could use HSA funds to pay for over the counter medications. Not anymore, and OTC is generally the first step before visiting a dr or clinic, but OTC is not HSA-usable.