HSA Shop logoHSA Shop

HSA Guide

How Can I Have an HSA: Your Guide to Understanding Health Savings Accounts

Published July 6, 2023

Check eligibility on the gobrowse 7,000+ HSA-eligible products in the free app.

Get the app
Short answer: To have an HSA, you generally need HDHP coverage and not be claimed as a dependent, then enroll in the HDHP and open an HSA to contribute, pay eligible medical expenses, and track expenses.

HSA basics and how they help

Having a Health Savings Account (HSA) can be a smart financial move for managing healthcare expenses. If you're wondering how you can have an HSA, here's a guide to help you understand the process.

An HSA allows you to set aside pre-tax funds to pay for qualified medical expenses, providing a tax-advantaged way to save for healthcare costs. To have an HSA, you usually need to meet the following requirements:

Having an HSA can provide financial security and flexibility when it comes to managing healthcare costs. By understanding the requirements and steps to have an HSA, you can make informed decisions about your healthcare savings.

Requirements for qualifying for an HSA

  • Be covered by a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
  • Not be claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax return

Steps to open and use an HSA

Here are steps to have an HSA:

  • Enroll in a HDHP through your employer or independently.
  • Open an HSA with a bank or financial institution that offers HSA accounts.
  • Contribute funds to your HSA, up to the annual contribution limit set by the IRS.
  • Use your HSA funds to pay for eligible medical expenses.
  • Keep track of your expenses and savings for tax purposes.
  • Enjoy the triple tax benefits of an HSA: tax-deductible contributions, tax-deferred growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses.

Even if you're new to HSAs, don't worry! The process to set one up is fairly straightforward. Start by ensuring you have a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) in place; this is your gateway to opening an HSA.

Free App

Browse 7,000+ HSA-Eligible Products

Search by symptom, get price alerts, and build your HSA shopping list — all in the free app.

← Back to all articles