HSAs are designed to help individuals save for qualified medical expenses while providing tax advantages.
Contributions to an HSA are tax-deductible, and the account grows tax-free. Withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free. HSAs are typically used in conjunction with high-deductible health insurance plans.
- To open an HSA, you must be covered by a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). Employers and employees can contribute to an HSA.
- A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a specialized and tax-advantaged savings account designed to help individuals and families manage their healthcare costs more effectively.
- Contributions: Contributions to an HSA are tax-deductible, meaning you can reduce your taxable income by the amount you contribute to the account. These contributions are made with pre-tax or tax-deductible dollars.
- Growth: The funds within an HSA can grow tax-free through investments, such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. These earnings are not subject to capital gains tax.
One of the most significant advantages of an HSA is that withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are entirely tax-free. This includes doctor’s visits, hospital costs, prescription medications, and many other healthcare-related expenses.
- To open and contribute to an HSA, you must be covered by a high-deductible health plan (HDHP).
- You cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
The IRS sets annual contribution limits for HSAs. These limits may vary from year to year and are typically higher for family coverage compared to individual coverage.
HSAs offer the flexibility of rolling over unused funds from year to year. Unlike some other healthcare accounts, there’s no “use it or lose it” rule, allowing your savings to accumulate and be used for future healthcare needs.
HSAs offer a unique triple tax benefit – contributions are tax-deductible, growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free.
While the primary purpose of an HSA is to cover medical expenses, after age 65, you can make withdrawals for non-medical purposes without a penalty. However, these withdrawals are subject to income tax, similar to a traditional 401(k).
HSAs are portable, meaning they remain with you regardless of job changes or insurance providers.
Many individuals use their HSA savings for healthcare expenses during retirement, including Medicare premiums and long-term care expenses.