What is an HSA and How Does It Work? - A Complete Guide

An HSA, short for Health Savings Account, is a tax-advantaged savings account specifically designated for healthcare expenses. It allows individuals to set aside pre-tax money to cover qualified medical costs, offering a triple tax benefit of tax-deductible contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses.

So, how does an HSA work? Let's break it down:

1. Eligibility: To open an HSA, you must be enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP).
2. Contribution Limits: There are annual contribution limits set by the IRS.
3. Use of Funds: HSA funds can be used for a variety of medical expenses, including deductibles, copayments, prescriptions, and some over-the-counter items.
4. Rolling Over: Unlike flexible spending accounts (FSAs), HSA funds roll over year to year, allowing for long-term savings.
5. Investment Options: Some HSAs offer investment opportunities to help grow your savings over time.
6. Portability: HSAs are portable, meaning you can keep your account even if you change jobs or health plans.

An HSA, or Health Savings Account, is a fantastic financial tool designed to help individuals save for healthcare expenses. It offers significant tax advantages that can lead to substantial savings on medical costs over time. With an HSA, you not only contribute pre-tax dollars, but you also benefit from tax-free growth on the accumulated interest and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses.