I've been trying to wrap my head around the family vs individual plan dilemma for 2016. For 2015 it made sense to go with two individual plans, as even if we both hit our max OOP (which we did) at least we were eligible for $50 more in HSA contributions.
But, with the 2016 changes it is a bit different now. Self-only coverage changes from 2015 to 2016 - HDHP deductible lower threshold unchanged at $1,300, max OOP increased by $100 to $6,550. HSA deduction unchanged at $3,350. Family coverage changes from 2015 to 2016 - HDHP deductible lower threshold unchanged at $2,600, max OOP increased by $200 to $13,100. HSA deduction increased by $100 to $6,750. From
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-15-30.pdf
And - to put a twist on family coverage for the betterment of the high volume medical care consumer, 2016 rules for "embedded" cost sharing limit the max OOP for any one individual on a family plan to $6,850, see thread
2016 ACA "Embedded" Cost Sharing Of course this will benefit only those who select high OOP plans, i.e. a 2016 family HDHP with a $13,100 max OOP becomes a $6,850 max OOP for either of a family of two to first reach that OOP, and then $6,250 OOP for the second. If the second doesn't reach that level of OOP, all the better for them. This could be a strategy for couples with expected high expenses for only one member. It gets more complicated for larger families, and also doesn't apply if the plan deductible is greater than $6,850. See
Family Plans Must "Embed" Out-of-Pocket Limits in 2016
For 2016, even with the extra $50 HSA deduction pendulum swung towards family plans I think it might be best to stick with the same $3,500 deductible no co-pay individual plans we had for 2015. High OOP plans are appealing due to the lower premiums, but with a couple of tests/appointments already set I know what our minimum expected HC costs are for 2016 so it has become more of a certainty than a roll of the dice.