An HSA is a tax-favored account used to accumulate tax free/deferred savings. Setting up an HSA account is not required, but encouraged because of the tax benefits. You can fund this account by making a lump sum contribution, monthly contributions or contributions at any interval you choose. HSA plans offer significant premium savings and lower overall financial exposure when compared to co-pay plans.

These funds can be used to pay for medical expenses that are applied to your deductible/coinsurance, or other expenses that may not be covered by your HDHP, such as dental or vision.

What is an HSA?

The concept of a Health Savings Account is to combine a High Deductible Health Plan with a tax-favored Health Savings Account. An HSA is a savings mechanism allowing you to set aside tax free funds to cover current and future medical, dental or vision needs. HSA plans offer a lower monthly premium compared to co-pay plans.

High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

HDHP’s are offered by most major insurance companies and are comprehensive, major medical plans. All covered services are applied to the annual deductible at the contracted price. Premium rates are greatly reduced when the office and prescription co-pays are eliminated. This premium savings can be transferred to your HSA account to be used when needed. Why pay a high monthly premium for a co-pay plan, if you are not utilizing this benefit regularly? Or, if you utilize benefits more than the average consumer, why pay a high premium, office co-pays and prescription co-pays when you could meet a deductible and/or coinsurance then should be covered at 100%.
See the TIPS section for more detailed plan information, requirements, deductibles and contribution limits.

What are the Benefits of an HSA?

HSA accounts provide tax savings when you fund the account, and when you use the funds from the account. Your annual contribution reduces your taxable income and the funds withdrawn for qualified expenses are never taxed. Your HSA account earns interest and grows tax-deferred. At age 65 you can withdraw funds for any non-medical purposes at the ordinary tax rate, or tax free if used for a qualified expense.

Contributions

  • Contributions to your HSA account can be made by the accountholder, an employer or a third party on behalf of the accountholder.
  • Annual individual and family contribution maximums apply and are adjusted each year by the Department of The Treasury.
  • Catch-up contributions for individuals and their spouses, over age 55 and not enrolled in Medicare, are available.
  • Any unused contributions are automatically rolled over for use in the next calendar year.

Distribution of Funds:

  • Can be used tax-free for qualified expenses.
  • Can be used tax-free to pay COBRA or other medical insurance premiums while unemployed or collecting unemployment
  • Can be used for qualified dependents who are uninsured
  • The funds are always yours. Early withdrawal for non-qualified expenses before age 65 results in a 20% penalty + regular income tax.

At age 65, unused HSA funds can be used for non-qualified expenses with no penalty; ordinary income tax applies.