Understanding Health Savings Accounts
Health savings accounts (HSAs) are tax-preferred savings accounts set up in conjunction with high-deductible health insurance policies that are used to fund qualified medical expenses. Enrollees or their employers make tax-free contributions to an HSA, then use the funds typically to purchase medical care until they reach their deductibles. But HSAs are not for everyone and it helps to fully understand how they work before considering them as a viable option to help fund your health care costs.
HSA Specifics
You are eligible for an HSA if you meet these four qualifying criteria:
- You are enrolled in a qualified high-deductible health plan (HDHP).
- You are not covered by another disqualifying health plan (whether insurance or an uninsured health plan).
- You are not enrolled in Medicare.
- You are not a dependent of another person for tax purposes.
HSAs are generally available through insurance companies that offer HDHPs. Many employer-sponsored health plans also offer HSA options. Although most major insurance companies and large employers now offer an HSA option under their health plan, it's important to remember that most health insurance policies are not considered HSA-qualified HDHPs. In fact, the IRS has set limits as to what qualifies as an HDHP, so make sure to check with your insurance company or employer to see if an HSA plan option might apply.
The maximum contribution to an HSA depends on your age and number of family members. Such contributions are made on a before-tax basis, meaning they reduce your taxable income. Note that unlike IRAs and certain other tax-deferred investment vehicles, no income limits apply to HSAs.
HSAs offer investment options that differ from plan to plan, depending upon the provider. What's more, HSA account balances carry over from year to year, unlike their predecessors, medical savings accounts (MSAs), which contained a "use it or lose it" feature that severely limited their usefulness for most people. Earnings on HSAs are not subject to income taxes.
Any ordinary medical, dental or health care expense that would qualify as a tax-deductible item under IRS rules can be covered by a HSA. A doctor's bill, dental procedures and most prescriptions are examples of covered items. If funds are withdrawn for any other purpose than qualifying health care expenses before age 65, you will be required to pay taxes on amounts withdrawn plus a 20% additional federal tax. Once you reach age 65, you can use HSA money to pay for non-medical expenses, but you will still owe taxes on the withdrawal.
This article was prepared by Wealth Management Systems Inc. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor. Please consult me if you have any questions. LPL Financial Representatives offer access to Trust Services through The Private Trust Company N.A., an affiliate of LPL Financial.
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The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.