How does an HSA work?

HSAs are growing in popularity, and current estimates put the total number of HSA at about 30 million. Here’s the rundown on how to get an HSA and make it work to your benefit.

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The benefits of an HSA

To fund a health savings account, you deposit pre-tax money from your paycheck. Your employer may contribute additional funds toward your HSA.

Whatever money goes into your account will not be counted toward your taxable income — which can result in some sweet savings during tax season.

As long as the funds are used for eligible health costs, your HSA money can be withdrawn tax-free. You also can invest your savings into mutual funds or other tools that will help grow your money without any potential tax hit.

An HSA is similar to an FSA (flexible spending account), but it doesn’t expire at the end of the year, so your money is safe for the long haul.

Who can open an HSA?

In order to open an HSA, you must be insured under a high-deductible health plan.

What's "high"? These health insurance plans have out-of-pocket deductibles of at least $1,350 for individuals or $2,700 for families.

Most employers who provide high-deductible health plans also offer their workers the opportunity to open health savings accounts.

If your employer does not, you can open an HSA through a bank or an investment firm. Anyone can contribute to your new account, including other family members.

How to use an HSA

Once your HSA is set up, you'll get separate checks or a debit card linked directly to your HSA funds. You can pay for the medical care upfront using the card or checks, or you can pay out of pocket and be reimbursed using the HSA later on.

Your HSA savings can cover your deductible and copays, as well as costs that insurance often doesn’t pay for, such as glasses, visits to a chiropractor, service animal care and breast pumps.

Note that HSA funds will not cover insurance premiums or nonmedical bills. If you get caught attempting to use your HSA funds for anything other than eligible medical expenses, you'll have to pay tax on the withdrawal and could even be subject to a fine.

HSA annual contribution limits

There are also annual caps on HSA contributions. Individuals can deposit as much as $3,600 in 2021, and contributions in family accounts are capped at $7,200. In 2023, those caps will be $3,650 for individuals and $7,300 for families.

HSA holders age 55 and older are allowed to save an extra $1,000 per year. That's called a "catch-up contribution."