A Health Savings Account (HSA) is an individually owned, tax-favored account that allows participants to pay for qualified healthcare expenses, such as pregnancy test kits, eyeglasses, and more. Here is an overview of the five potential benefits that an HSA provides.
Benefit #1: HSAs provide triple-tax coverage; meaning contributions are made tax-free, grow tax-free, and can be withdrawn tax-free. This is possible if it’s coupled with a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).
Benefit #2: Unused HSA funds are rolled over annually, enabling them to be used for future expenses.
Benefit #3: Contribution limits continue to increase with this account. Participants can now use up to $3,850 in annual funds to pay for healthcare expenses individually. If participants wish to use up funds for family coverage, the annual limit is now $7,750.
Benefit #4: Participants who are Medicare eligible, but not enrolled in Medicare, can contribute to an HSA to save for retirement. If 65 or older, HSA funds can also be used without a penalty.
Benefit #5: Even if a participant loses employment, HSA funds can still be used to pay for qualified expenses. However, the ability to continue contributing depends on if the participant chooses to enroll in an HSA qualified health insurance plan either through COBRA, their new employer or an individual policy.