How do deductibles under group major medical plans usually compare to those under individual health plans?

Deductibles under group major medical plans typically tend to be lower than those found in individual health plans. This characteristic of group plans arises from the risk-sharing nature of group insurance, where a larger pool of members spreads the risk among many participants. Consequently, insurance companies are often able to offer lower deductibles for group plans, making healthcare more accessible to employees covered under such plans.

While it's important to note that individual health plans may have higher deductibles as providers seek to mitigate risk from insuring individuals without a larger risk pool, this is not a universal rule; it can vary based on the specific plan options. Therefore, while both group and individual plans can have varying deductible structures, the common trend is that individual health plans usually impose higher deductibles compared to group plans. This structure can lead to increased out-of-pocket expenses for individuals in contrast to those enrolled in group plans, which often have stronger employer-negotiated terms.