1. What is an HSA (Health Savings Account)?

"HSA" stands for "Health Savings Account," and Health Savings Accounts are great news for Americans!

The U.S. Congress recently passed legislation which makes paying for medical expenses much more affordable for consumers. As of January 1, 2004, the new law provides broad access to Health Savings Accounts, which allow consumers to pay for qualified medical expenses with pre-tax dollars (income-tax free!) and save for retirement on a tax-deferred basis.

An HSA is tax-favored savings account that is used in conjunction with a high-deductible HSA-eligible health insurance plan to make healthcare more affordable and to save for retirement.

HSAs are similar to IRAs, but even better:
Pre-tax money is deposited each year into an HSA and can be easily withdrawn at any time with no penalty or taxes to pay for qualified medical expenses. Withdrawals can also be made for non-medical purposes, but will be taxed as normal income and are subject to a 10 percent penalty if done prior to age 65.

Any HSA funds not used each year remain in the account, and earn interest tax-free to supplement medical expenses at any time in the future.

Like an IRA, the account belongs to you, not your employer. But unlike an IRA, your employer CAN contribute to your HSA.

< back to HSA Index | 2 Why should I get an HSA? >

More HSA (Health Savings Accounts) information:

1. What is an HSA?
2. Why should I get an HSA?
3. What are qualified medical expenses?
4. What insurance plans are HSA-eligible?
5. How much can I contribute to my HSA?
6. Is my money safe?
7. How do I use the funds in my HSA?
8. How do the tax savings work?
9. How can I get an HSA?