What is an HSA?

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is like a personal savings account, but the money saved there is used to pay for your and your family’s qualified health care expenses.


Why consider an HSA?

  • You own and control the money in your Health Savings Account.
  • You do not pay taxes on money going into your HSA or on any associated investment growth.
  • Money contributed to the account is with pre-tax dollars, which reduces your taxes per your tax rate.
  • Any unused money at the end of the year rolls over (stays in your account) year over year.
  • It is portable as you move between employers.

Who can participate?

You must participate in a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and cannot contribute to an HSA if you are covered by any other health plan (as an individual, spouse, or domestic partner) that is not a qualifying high-deductible health plan. If your spouse uses your insurance as secondary coverage, s/he must also be enrolled in a HDHP. In addition, you cannot participate if you are enrolled in Medicare. The HDHP must be your only health insurance; however, having dental, vision, disability and long term care insurance does not disqualify you from having an HSA.


How much may I contribute?

Each year the federal government determines the maximum dollar amount both you and your employer may contribute. If you are age 55 or older, you may also make “catch-up” contributions in addition to the maximum contribution guidelines.


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