Understanding Embedded vs. Non-Embedded Deductibles
Some Level Health plans use an embedded deductible, while others use a non-embedded deductible. This article explains the difference in simple terms so you know how your plan works.
What Is a Deductible?
A deductible is the amount you pay for covered medical services before the plan begins sharing costs.
How this works can differ depending on whether the deductible is embedded or non-embedded.
Embedded Deductible
How it works
With an embedded deductible, each family member has:
Their own individual deductible, and A family deductible for everyone combined.
The plan starts paying for a family member as soon as that person meets their individual deductible, even if the rest of the family has not hit the family deductible yet.
Think of it like each person having their own bucket, plus a big bucket for the entire family. Filling one small bucket triggers coverage for that person.
Which Level Health plan uses this?
- Platinum
- Gold 1000
- Gold 3000
- Gold 5000
- Silver 2000
- Silver 3000
- Bronze 5000
- Bronze 6000
- Bronze HDHP
Non-Embedded Deductible
How it works
With a non-embedded deductible:
There is only one family deductible in practice, even though an individual deductible is listed. The plan does not begin paying for anyone until the entire family deductible is met, unless one member reaches the full family deductible alone.
This means no single family member can trigger coverage early by meeting just their individual deductible.
It works like one large bucket for the whole family, and it must be filled before cost-sharing begins.
Which Level Health plan uses this?
The Silver HDHP has a non-embedded deductible.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Embedded Deductible | Non-Embedded Deductible |
|---|---|---|
| Individual deductible applies | Yes | Listed, but does not trigger early coverage |
| Any one person can activate cost-sharing early | Yes | No |
| Entire family deductible must be met for cost-sharing | Not always | Yes |
| Level Health plan example | Bronze HDHP | Silver HDHP |
Why This Matters
Understanding whether your plan uses an embedded or non-embedded deductible helps you know:
When the plan starts paying for care How family members’ medical costs interact What expenses count toward meeting your deductible
If you have questions about how your specific plan design works, you can always reach out to Level Health Member Support at 877-426-2162