Health Savings Account (HSA)

What is HSA?

HSA stands for a health savings account and is tax-advantaged. It is funded by both employer and employee and has an annual limit.

Health Savings Accounts explained!

To be eligible for a Health Savings Account, a person must have a high-deductible health plan that is HSA-qualified (HDHP). Employees may qualify for tax breaks via Health Savings Accounts, comparable to 401(k) plans and flexible spending accounts (FSA). Employees' contributions to HSA accounts decrease their taxable income rather than functioning as a direct deduction like FSA funds. 

Following that, workers can utilize the funds for qualified medical expenses without incurring any additional tax penalty.

There are restrictions on how much money an individual or family may contribute to a 401(k) or FSA account. Contributions to an HSA matched by the employer are also an option.

In contrast to FSA money, HSA funds are not limited to a single savings account. Several HSA plans are available, and many encourage employees to invest their savings in the stock market to earn a return.

How do HSAs work?

• Employees, not employers, own the account. They may put money into their bank accounts. Employers may also contribute to this account.
• Employee contributions are tax-deductible. Their taxable income is decreased when they make donations.
• Employees may invest their cash, and the interest or income is tax-free. The funds may be held in their account and possibly increase tax-free over time.
• Employees control the account, so the money rolls over from year to year and remains with them even if they quit their positions or retire.
• Employees under 65 may withdraw tax-free funds and utilize them for eligible medical costs.
• There are no restrictions on how employees may use the money be used. They may continue to withdraw the funds for medical bills tax-free. 
• Employees may also use it for non-medical expenses and pay their usual income tax. 
• Employees even consider their HSA to be an additional retirement account.