I've just learned that I have an inguinal hernia that's going to need surgery, which averages about $12,000 in my area. This comes at the same time that I'm being presented with insurance for the first time in a long time (small business problems).

I haven't had to decipher anything like this in over a decade and just want to make sure I'm not screwing myself over before jumping on anything. Thank you for any advice in advance!

My plan is to spend the next year on the PPO to knock out my surgery and then speedrun everything else w/ the OOP and deductible having been met before the year is up. Once through the year, I'll end up on the HSA plan.

PPO ($270/mo): $3,000 deductible and $6,000 individual out-of-pocket maximum. Most common in-network services have set copays before the deductible, such as $25 primary-care visits, $75 specialist visits, and $50 urgent care.

HSA plan ($162/mo): $3,500 deductible and $6,450 individual out-of-pocket maximum.…