Listen: Cheap Health Insurance Isn’t Always Cheap

By Jackie Fortiér

April 21, 2026

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<br /> <span class="byline">Jackie Fortiér</span></p> <p>High-deductible plans can look like a deal, until the bills start rolling in. On this episode of the NPR podcast <em>Life Kit</em>, reporter Jackie Fortiér breaks down what to expect and how to prepare.</p> <p>A lot of people choose their health insurance the way they shop for a flight — sort by the lowest price and click “buy.” But what looks like a bargain upfront can come with costly consequences later.</p> <div class="related-sec related-2"> <div class="inner block-list-small-2"> <div class="block-h heading-layout-13"><div class="heading-inner"><h4 class="heading-title none-toc"><span>Related News</span></h4></div></div> <div class="block-inner"> <div class="p-wrap p-small p-list-small-2" data-pid="4154"> <div class="feat-holder"> <div class="p-featured ratio-v1"> <a class="p-flink" href="https://lifeaurahealth.com/baked-street-corn-pasta-one-pan-meal/" title="Baked Street Corn Pasta (One Pan Meal!)"> <img data-lazyloaded="1" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxNTAiIGhlaWdodD0iMTUwIiB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTUwIDE1MCI+PHJlY3Qgd2lkdGg9IjEwMCUiIGhlaWdodD0iMTAwJSIgc3R5bGU9ImZpbGw6I2NmZDRkYjtmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk6IDAuMTsiLz48L3N2Zz4=" width="150" height="150" data-src="https://lifeaurahealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Baked-Street-Corn-Pasta-One-Pan-Meal-150x150.jpg" class="featured-img wp-post-image" alt="Bowl of pasta salad with corn, chopped red bell peppers, crumbled cheese, and fresh herbs, served with a fork." loading="lazy" /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="p-content"> <h5 class="entry-title none-toc"> <a class="p-url" href="https://lifeaurahealth.com/baked-street-corn-pasta-one-pan-meal/" rel="bookmark">Baked Street Corn Pasta (One Pan Meal!)</a></h5> </div> </div> <div class="p-wrap p-small p-list-small-2" data-pid="4152"> <div class="feat-holder"> <div class="p-featured ratio-v1"> <a class="p-flink" href="https://lifeaurahealth.com/environmental-factor-february-2025-niehs-news-in-brief/" title="Environmental Factor – February 2025: NIEHS News in Brief"> <img data-lazyloaded="1" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxNTAiIGhlaWdodD0iMTUwIiB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTUwIDE1MCI+PHJlY3Qgd2lkdGg9IjEwMCUiIGhlaWdodD0iMTAwJSIgc3R5bGU9ImZpbGw6I2NmZDRkYjtmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk6IDAuMTsiLz48L3N2Zz4=" width="150" height="150" data-src="https://lifeaurahealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Environmental-Factor-February-2025-NIEHS-News-in-Brief-150x150.jpg" class="featured-img wp-post-image" alt="Environmental Factor - February 2025: NIEHS News in Brief" loading="lazy" /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="p-content"> <h5 class="entry-title none-toc"> <a class="p-url" href="https://lifeaurahealth.com/environmental-factor-february-2025-niehs-news-in-brief/" rel="bookmark">Environmental Factor – February 2025: NIEHS News in Brief</a></h5> </div> </div> <div class="p-wrap p-small p-list-small-2" data-pid="4150"> <div class="feat-holder"> <div class="p-featured ratio-v1"> <a class="p-flink" href="https://lifeaurahealth.com/environmental-factor-february-2025-niehs-scientist-harnesses-computer-modeling-to-advance-health/" title="Environmental Factor – February 2025: NIEHS scientist harnesses computer modeling to advance health"> <img data-lazyloaded="1" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxNTAiIGhlaWdodD0iMTUwIiB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTUwIDE1MCI+PHJlY3Qgd2lkdGg9IjEwMCUiIGhlaWdodD0iMTAwJSIgc3R5bGU9ImZpbGw6I2NmZDRkYjtmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk6IDAuMTsiLz48L3N2Zz4=" width="150" height="150" data-src="https://lifeaurahealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Environmental-Factor-February-2025-NIEHS-scientist-harnesses-computer-modeling-150x150.jpg" class="featured-img wp-post-image" alt="Environmental Factor - February 2025: NIEHS scientist harnesses computer modeling to advance health" loading="lazy" /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="p-content"> <h5 class="entry-title none-toc"> <a class="p-url" href="https://lifeaurahealth.com/environmental-factor-february-2025-niehs-scientist-harnesses-computer-modeling-to-advance-health/" rel="bookmark">Environmental Factor – February 2025: NIEHS scientist harnesses computer modeling to advance health</a></h5> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>After some federal financial aid expired, many Americans found that high-deductible health plans were the only option they could afford.</p> <p>In a new episode of NPR’s <em>Life Kit</em> podcast, KFF Health News reporter Jackie Fortiér and podcast host Marielle Segarra discuss what these plans are, and why they can feel so confusing. Imagine paying $100 out-of-pocket for a routine doctor visit that used to cost you $20. Imagine shouldering thousands of dollars in bills before your insurance pays a cent.</p> <p>Still, for some people — especially those who rarely need medical care — high-deductible plans work. Listen to the episode to explore how timing your care and taking advantage of free preventive services can help you make the most of your coverage.</p> <p>KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about <a href="https://www.kff.org/about-us/">KFF</a>.</p> <h3>USE OUR CONTENT</h3> <p>This story can be republished for free (details).</p> <p>
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