Which of the following best describes a key feature of high-deductible health plans (HDHP)?

The key feature of high-deductible health plans (HDHP) is characterized by lower premiums combined with higher deductibles. This structure is designed to encourage individuals to take more responsibility for their healthcare costs, which can ultimately lead to savings, both for the policyholders and the insurance providers. By having lower monthly payments and higher out-of-pocket costs before insurance kicks in, these plans motivate people to shop around for healthcare services and consider their spending more carefully.

The emphasis on lower premiums allows consumers to allocate more of their funds into health savings accounts (HSAs), which can be used for qualifying medical expenses. This financial model aims to promote cost-awareness and can lead to reduced healthcare spending, as patients are more likely to consider the price of services when they bear a larger portion of the costs themselves.

Other options, while they reflect certain aspects of healthcare insurance, do not encapsulate the defining characteristic of HDHPs in the same way. For instance, coverage for preventive services may or may not be a part of an HDHP, and mandatory use of in-network providers is not a universal requirement for these plans. The absence of deductibles for emergency services is also not a standard feature of HDHPs. Thus, the option that includes the combined traits