What is a Health Savings Account?
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged savings account created to pay for qualified medical expenses of a Health insurance plan companion.
The savings accounts (HSAS) are for people who acquire a high-deductible health insurance plan (HDHP), which apparently comes with low premiums but higher deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.
An HSA Is Your Gateway to Bigger Savings with Tax Advantages. The main reason anyone opens an HSA is that it allows you to stash more cash than in your regular savings account, AND you get a few tax breaks.
How Does a Health Savings Account Work?
Below is how a Health Savings Account Works:
- Engage in a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP): When high-deductible health plan (HDHP) choices are selected, you can only have an HSA.
- Set up HSA: After you have become a member of your HDHP, an individual may open up or certainly prepare for an HSA with a financial institution that has them (for instance, your credit union). Your HSA can be funded through payroll deductions.
- Contribute to your HSA: The Internal Revenue Service states that the maximum amount you may contribute in 2020 is $3,550 for an individual and $7,100 for a family.
- Pay for qualified medical expenses (including deductibles) using your HSA
- Save Taxes: Your contributions made to an HSA are tax-deductible, thereby reducing your taxable income. The fact of the matter is that all income within that account grows tax-free, and any withdrawal for a qualified medical expense is also tax-free.
- Unused Funds are rolled over: The user can roll over any funds that are not used until the next year. Funds in your HSA are yours to keep—you can even take them with you if you change jobs.
- Follow the rules: Obey the laws and regulations to avoid penalties for spending your HSA money on qualified medical expenses.
Can I Open a Health Savings Account on My Own?
Yes, it is possible to open a Health Savings Account on your own. If you work as a self-employed individual, you should research the HSAS provided by banks or brokerages like Fidelity, HealthEquity, or Lively. Just keep in mind that you should carefully consider your options to get the finest HSA for your needs.
Also, See: Health Insurance Premium