Does HSA cover the same things that regular
health insurance does?
HSA is not an insurance policy, it is a savings account maintained by
you that works in conjunction with a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).
The health plans coverage varies from plan to plan, but usually cover
the same things that copay plans do. The only difference is that copay
plans pay first dollar and HDHP pays after the deductible has been met.
You can use the money from the HSA to pay for covered expenses before
the deductible has been met, and for things that are probably not
covered by the HDHP like dental and vision benefits.What is a
qualified medical expense?
See
IRS publication (502) or Common
expenses.
What if I spend money from my HSA on non-qualified medical
expenses?
Any withdrawals from the account for non-qualified expenses are taxed
and is subject to a 10% penaltiy.If the money is used for other than qualified medical expenses, the
expenditure will be taxed and, for individuals who are not disabled or
over age 65, subject to a 10% tax penalty.
Are dental and vision care
qualified medical expenses under a Health Savings Account?
Yes, as long as these are deductible under the current rules. For
example, cosmetic procedures, like cosmetic dentistry, would not be
considered qualified medical expenses.
Can I use the money in my HSA to
pay for medical care for a family member?
Yes, you may withdraw funds to pay for the qualified medical expenses of
yourself, your spouse or a dependent without tax penalty. This is one
of the great advantages of HSAs.
Can my health insurance premiums be paid by the HSA?
Yes, if you are collecting State or Federal unemployment benefits, or
you are on COBRA.
Can I pay long-term care
insurance premiums with money from my HSA?
Yes, if it is a tax-qualified long-term care insurance plan. See
IRS publication 502.
I have a Health Savings Account but do not have the HDHP
anymore. Can I still spend from the account for qualified medical
expenses tax free?
Yes.
What happens to unused funds in a HSA?
It rolls over every from one year to the next.
What happens to money in my HSA after I turn 65?
Keep spending out of the account for qualified expenses tax free. You
can pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance under
Medicare. You can not use funds to pay for Medicare supplement premiums.
Can I reimburse myself for medical expenses incurred prior to
opening my HSA?
No. You should open your account ASAP.
Who keeps track of my HSA expenditures?
You do. Save all of your medical receipts.
How do I pay for my doctor visits from my Health Savings
Account?
Most financial institutions give you checks or a debit card that looks
like a Visa.
We are insurance agents not a CPAs. Every effort has been made to
make sure that information in this website is accurate in regards to
Health Savings Accounts and Tax Savings. Please consult with your
tax professional, the IRS, and your State revenue department. |