Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
If you’re looking for more control over what you pay for health care and the services that you (or your family) actually use, a health savings account (HSA) might be a good place to direct your dollars. HSAs are used in combination with high deductible health plans,—heath insurance plans that carry a high deductible. One important benefit of an HSA is the tax break: you can make deposits with pre-tax dollars and any interest you earn is also tax-free. This can help your account grow quickly, but before opening an account you should check with a tax advisor.
HSAs go hand-in-hand with high deductible health plans (HDHP) because they allow you to spend pre-tax dollars on qualified medical expenses that your insurance doesn’t cover.
Here’s how it works: a HDHP generally has a lower monthly cost (premium) than traditional health insurance, but a higher deductible (money you pay before your health insurance policy kicks in). So you pay less for your insurance, but potentially more for your health care until you meet your deductible. To help meet those costs, many people with HDHPs direct the money they save in monthly premiums to a special bank account designed just for medical expenses—an HSA.
But there are other benefits to opening an HSA, too.
First off, unlike a flexible spending account (sometimes also called a cafeteria plan), all the money you set aside in an HSA is yours to keep. So anything you don’t spend this year isn’t lost. The money remains in your account year after year, where it can be invested, grow and then spent on future health care expenses.
As long as you spend the money and any earnings on qualified medical expenses (as defined by the IRS), you won’t pay taxes on it.
Once your Health Savings Account reaches a balance of $1,000 or more, you will be eligible to invest a portion of your funds in an HSA Investment Account. Click here to learn more about the HSA Investment Account.
Is an HSA right for me? |
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Eligibility |
You must have:
You may not be:
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Tax features |
Contributions are made with pre-tax dollars; your account grows tax-free, too |
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Contribution limits |
Each year the IRS sets new contribution limits. Below are the limits for 2022.
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Single Plan |
Family Plan |
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Maximum contribution/deposit limit |
$3,650 |
$7,300 |
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Minimum deductible |
$1,400 |
$2,800 |
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Maximum
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$7,050 |
$14,100 |
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Catch-Up Contribution (55+) |
Up to an additional $1,000. Maximum total = $4,650/yr |
Up to an additional $1,000 for each spouse if ages are 55 or greater. See* |
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Fees |
Your HSA is free when you maintain a minimum balance of $1,000. Otherwise, there is a modest $5 maintenance fee each statement period. The service charge is waived for the first year. A $25 closing/transfer fee applies. There is a $5 monthly paper statement fee, electronic statements are free. | ||
Access |
You can pay for your medical expenses using a Visa® debit card, writing a check, or by making an electronic transfer or cash withdrawal |
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Other considerations |
You can use this money for other kinds of expenses, but those withdrawals will be taxed |
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* Maximum Total Contribution (if they qualify) is $9,300 for 2022 for a Family Health Savings Account.
Features
Smart
Pay less in taxes, save more for your actual healthcare costs
No Fee
When you meet the minimum balance
Flexible
No “use it or lose it” penalty
Simple
Access funds with a Visa® debit card, checks or cash withdrawals
