A health care savings account (HSA) is a powerful financial tool that can help individuals and families save money on medical expenses. An HSA is a tax-sheltered account specifically designed to help people save money for qualified medical expenses. It works just like a regular savings account, but with the added protection of not being subject to state or federal taxes on contributions or withdrawals used for approved medical expenses.
The benefits of a health care savings account are numerous. Many individuals and families use HSAs to cover their deductibles, copays, and other out-of-pocket expenses, allowing them to save money by planning ahead for health care costs. Additionally, an HSA can be invested and the earnings are tax-advantaged, providing potential opportunities for growth. And since HSAs are portable, they can follow individuals in the event of a job change or relocation.
Contributions
The primary advantage to an HSA is that contributions are tax-advantaged. Funds deposited into an HSA are tax-deductible if done so during the same year the contributions were made. The IRS allows individuals to contribute up to $3,500 per year, and those age 55 and older may contribute an additional $1,000 per year.
Contributions to an HSA must be made by an employer on behalf of an employee or by the employee through payroll deductions. Funds deposited into an HSA may also be deposited as a lump sum by the owner of the account.
Tax Advantages
The investments within an HSA are tax-advantaged, meaning the earnings are not subject to taxes as long as the funds are used to pay for qualified medical expenses. In the event the money is used for other purposes, then the withdrawal is treated as a taxable event.
Additionally, any contributions remaining in the account at the end of the year are carried over to the following year. These carryover funds are also tax-deferred and earnings accumulate tax free. Withdrawals are still tax-free as long as they are used for qualified medical expenses.
Qualified Medical Expenses
Most medical, vision, and dental expenses may be reimbursed from an HSA. This includes medical visits, prescriptions, lab tests, and various medical equipment. Over-the-counter medications and items such as cough syrup, diapers, bandages, ointments, and contact lenses are also eligible for reimbursement.
Other eligible expenses include insurance premiums, transportation costs, and in some cases, hospice care and long-term care. The IRS also provides a list of approved medical expenses for qualified HSAs.
Other Benefits
An HSA is a great way to save money for long-term medical expenses. In addition to being tax-advantaged, an HSA is portable and can be transferred from one employer to another or from one HSA provider to another. This flexibility gives individuals the freedom to shop around for the best HSA provider for their particular situation.
Additionally, since the funds are portable, they can be rolled over to the surviving spouse upon death without penalty. While the surviving spouse loses the tax-free status of withdrawals, they still have access to tax-free withdrawals as long as they are used for qualified medical expenses.
Conclusion
A Health Care Savings Account is an excellent way for individuals and families to save money on out-of-pocket medical expenses. An HSA offers tax advantages, complete portability, and the potential to earn investment returns before being used on eligible medical expenses. For those looking for financial security, an HSA is an excellent choice.