Below the deductible, cash often wins.
If you're on a high-deductible health plan, you're effectively paying full freight until you hit the deductible. The cash price at an independent Austin clinic is often lower than your insurer's contracted rate. You only know that if you can see both.
WHY THIS WORKS FOR YOU
The HDHP playbook: ask for the cash price, then decide.
Insurers don't volunteer cash-pay comparisons, but you're entitled to ask, and most clinics will quote you. MarketCare shortcuts that conversation by publishing the cash price up front so you can decide whether to use insurance or pay cash.
- $1,650▲
- Avg deductible (single)
- 9,481▲
- Verified cash quotes
- 30%+▲
- Common cash savings
- HSA▲
- Eligible at most clinics
WHAT YOU GET
How MarketCare helps hdhp holders.
HSA dollars stretch further
Cash-pay rates paid with HSA funds use pre-tax dollars and don't apply against any insurer paperwork. Lower price, less hassle.
Imaging is the headline win
MRI, CT, and ultrasound at cash-pay imaging centers are routinely 50–70% cheaper than the 'in-network' price your insurer applies to your deductible.
Direct primary care
Flat-fee monthly DPC arrangements often beat HDHP economics for routine care, especially if you're a frequent low-acuity user.
Specialty visits and labs
Specialist consults and lab panels frequently cost less in cash than under your HDHP. We list both the verified cash rate and notes on which clinics will bill insurance if you prefer.
QUESTIONS
Common questions.
- If I pay cash, does it count toward my deductible?
- Usually no. If you want the spend to count, ask the clinic to bill your insurance and apply the negotiated rate. Some clinics will let you do this even at lower cash prices.
- Is this just for healthy people?
- No. HDHPs are common for chronic-condition patients too. Cash-pay still applies for routine labs and imaging that isn't tied to a specific covered protocol.
- What if my employer's HDHP requires in-network use?
- Cash-pay is its own track. You can use it alongside your plan, not instead. Use insurance for in-network requirements; use cash where it's cheaper.
✦NEXT STEP
Look up a price made for hdhp holders.
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