what is the point of health insurance if you have to pay a high deductible before you even use it?

The point of health insurance is not to pay for that $100 doctor visit but it is to pay for that $100,000 hospital visit. Just think how much auto insurance would be if they paid for your oil changes and new wiper blades.

The deductible is annual.

If you want a lower deductible you can purchase a lower deductible. In my state you can find deductibles as low as $250.

Also, if the policy has procedures for a co-pay those procedures generally are not subject to the deductible, meaning you just pay that co-pay even if you haven't yet paid the deductible. Ask your agent to explain this to you.

The main purpose of insurance is to pay for the catastrophic claims. You could have a lower deductible but the premiums are much higher. Nothing is free.