Most likely, those coverages are after your deductibles. And the out of pocket maximum is your deductible + copays after deductible. And then at that point they cover 100%.

So you would pay $400 of charges until you hit your deductible, then your 20% (or $40 specialist) copays until you've paid another $1600. So the most you'd pay per year out of pocket is $2000 (Not counting your biweekly premiums).

If that is how your plan is written, that's not bad for your biweekly premium rate. So even if you got really sick or injured and needed care tomorrow, worst case you're looking at getting $2000 in bills even if you had a $100k surgery + ICU stay. Still better to live healthy and not take unnecessary risks.

Does your employer offer additional short-term or long-term disability coverage? Some employers pay 100% for their employees or offer it for a very cheap subsidized deductible. I've had it fully covered where I'd get 80% of my current pay for both short and long term, or wound up being like just $4 or $5 a pay period. That adds up if you're next to broke, but as you get more established in life it seems relatively cheap for the peace of mind. Similar to how renters insurance is like $8-$10/month and if something happens you will be thankful you had it.

As an example - my company has the same two offers for insurance and here is my breakdown :

1. PPO - premium 2500/year. $500 deductible. 90/10% after deductible

2. HDHP - premium 550/year. They contribute $500 to my hsa. Deductible $1500. 90/10% after deductible.

I suspect most at my company are taking #2.