Definition
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged medical savings account available to individuals enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). The funds contributed into the account are not subject to federal income tax at the time of deposit. HSA funds roll over and accumulate year-to-year if they aren’t spent, and can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses.
Phonetic
Health: /hɛlθ/Savings: /ˈseɪvɪŋz/Account: /əˈkaʊnt/HSA: /ˌeɪch ˌes ˈeɪ/
Key Takeaways
- Contributions are Tax-Deductible: One of the most significant advantages of an HSA is the fact that your contributions are tax-deductible. This means you can reduce your taxable income by making contributions to your HSA.
- Funds Can Be Used for Eligible Medical Expenses: Your HSA funds can be used tax-free for qualified medical expenses, including deductibles, co-pays, prescriptions, and even some over-the-counter medicines.
- Unused Funds Roll Over: Unlike some other types of health care accounts, any funds you contribute to your HSA do not expire at the end of the year. If you have unused funds, they will roll over into the next year.
Importance
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is an important financial tool for individuals with high-deductible health plans. It allows people to set aside pre-tax dollars for qualified medical expenses, which can result in significant tax savings. Furthermore, any interest or returns on the money in the account are tax-free, and unused funds roll over year-to-year, giving individuals a keen ability to save and invest for healthcare costs now and in the future. The HSA can also serve as a supplemental retirement account, as after turning 65, funds can be withdrawn for any purpose without penalty, though they may be subject to income tax if not used for qualified medical expenses. Thus, HSAs are not only a means for managing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses but also a long-term savings and investment strategy.
Explanation
The purpose of a Health Savings Account (HSA) is to provide individuals with a tax-advantaged method of saving for medical expenses that high-deductible health insurance plans do not cover. The HSA is a popular choice for many as it allows people to take control of their health care dollars. Essentially, it acts as a personal savings account, but the funds in it are intended to pay for eligible health care expenses. This means, it’s used for paying for various medical costs, from prescription drugs to dental treatments not covered by a health plan.
The ability to accumulate wealth over time is a key aspect of the HSA, it is not merely a pass-through to cover immediate healthcare costs. Money in the HSA can be invested, much like an individual retirement account (IRA), allowing balances to potentially grow over time. That way, the HSA can also act as a supplementary retirement savings account. Furthermore, contributions to the HSA are tax-deductible, the interest earned is tax-free, and withdrawals used for eligible healthcare expenses are also tax-free. Hence, its use can lead to significant tax savings.
Examples
1. Small Business Employer Benefit: A small business owner could put in place a high deductible health plan (HDHP) for their employees, and establish HSAs for them as well. Each year the employer contributes a specific amount to each employee’s HSA. This arrangement benefits the employees by providing them with funds for their medical costs and the employer by reducing their overall health benefit expenses.
2. Self-Employed Individual: A self-employed web designer, for example, could establish a HSA. He pays into the account throughout the year, and uses the funds to pay for his own qualified medical expenses. He selects this type of account because it allows him to save for healthcare expenses in a tax-advantaged way as the contributions are tax deductible and withdrawals for eligible expenses are tax-free.
3. High Income Professionals: High income individuals in high tax brackets also make a good case for HSAs. Say a doctor earning a substantial salary decides to open a HSA to pair with her high deductible health plan. She decides to maximize contributions each year (for 2021, the limit is $3,600 for an individual, $7,200 for a family), which reduces her taxable income. Plus, if she doesn’t use all the funds by the end of the year, they roll over to the next. This allows her to potentially grow a significant amount of money over time, which can be used tax-free for medical expenses or saved for later life when medical costs tend to be more substantial.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
What is a Health Savings Account (HSA)?
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a type of savings account that lets you set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified medical expenses. It can be used to pay for expenses that your health insurance doesn’t cover.
How can I qualify for a Health Savings Account?
To qualify for an HSA, you must be under a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). You’re not eligible if you are enrolled in Medicare or if you are claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
Can I use HSA funds for non-medical expenses?
Yes, but beware that the IRS imposes a penalty for doing so if you’re under 65. Non-medical withdrawals are subject to income tax and a 20% penalty.
What medical expenses does an HSA cover?
It can be used to cover a wide range of medical expenses, including doctor visits, prescriptions, mental health services, physical therapy and hospital fees, among other things.
Do HSA funds roll over year after year?
Yes, unspent money in a Health Savings Account rolls over at the end of the year, so you never lose your funds.
What are the contribution limits to an HSA?
Contribution limits are updated yearly by the IRS. In 2021, the limit for individuals is $3,600 and for families it’s $7,200.
Can an HSA earn interest?
Yes, funds in your HSA account can potentially earn investment earnings and interest, similar to a savings account or retirement account, and the earnings are not subject to federal taxes.
Can I contribute to an HSA if I am enrolled in Medicare?
No, you are not eligible to contribute to an HSA if you are enrolled in Medicare. However, you can use your existing HSA funds to pay for Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket expenses.
How does an HSA benefits my financial situation?
Contributions to an HSA are tax deductible, withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free, and any interest or other earnings on the funds in the account are tax free. These benefits make HSAs a powerful tool for saving and paying for health care.
Who owns an HSA?
The individual policy holder owns the HSA, not the employer. This means if you change jobs, the HSA goes with you.
Related Finance Terms
- Deductible
- High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
- Out-of-Pocket Maximum
- Qualified Medical Expenses
- Contribution Limit
