How to Use an HSA and HRA: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) are valuable tools that can help you save money on medical expenses. If you're new to these options, it's essential to understand how to use them effectively.

Here are some steps on how to use an HSA and HRA:

1. Enroll in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) to be eligible for an HSA.
2. Contribute to your HSA account through pre-tax payroll deductions or personal contributions.
3. Use your HSA funds to pay for qualified medical expenses such as doctor visits, prescription medications, and more.
4. Keep track of your HSA expenses and savings for tax purposes.
5. For HRAs, your employer funds the account, and you can use it to reimburse yourself for eligible medical expenses.
6. Submit claims for reimbursement following your employer's guidelines.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) are fantastic financial tools designed to help you save significantly on healthcare costs. To get started, it's crucial to enroll in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) that qualifies you for an HSA.

Once you're enrolled, you can contribute to your HSA through pre-tax payroll deductions or personal contributions, maximizing your tax savings. The money you save can be used for a wide variety of qualified medical expenses, including doctor visits, prescription medications, and dental work.

It's also advisable to keep meticulous records of your HSA expenses for easy tax tracking and reporting. For HRAs, remember that your employer takes the lead on funding the account, and you can utilize it to reimburse yourself for eligible healthcare expenses by following your employer's specific claim submission guidelines.