This message was self-deleted by its author

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

12. That's true. But you have to be able to afford to make deposits

into the account, because you are still self-insuring for the entire deductible as well as making the premium payments. The "savings" is something of an illusion because you are using your money for the HSA deposits instead of paying for premiums. You do get a tax deduction (not enough to make up for what you're spending), and the money is yours. You even can use it for non-medical expenses but then you have to pay the tax on it.

I had an HSA policy when I was working, and I deposited as much into it as I could - fortunately I had a good job and I could afford it. Now that I'm retired I'm still using the money for medical expenses not covered by Medicare. But it's no substitute for good insurance that covers everything, which is what most people really need. An HSA policy isn't much use if you can't afford to make deposits into the account.