What Are Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)?
HSAs are essentially "bank accounts" that enable employees to
pay for qualified medical expenses with pre-tax and/or
tax-deductible dollars. Employees may use the funds to
subsidize the expenses associated with a high-deductible health
plan, or save the money for the future. The result is wiser
utilization of services, fewer claims - and lower health plan
costs in the future.
High-Deductible Health Plans
High-deductible health plans provide comprehensive group
coverage after certain deductibles, coinsurance and other
out-of-pocket expenses have been met. With HSAs:
- Covered services (except preventive) are subject to
deductible and coinsurance, including prescription drugs.
- Most preventive services, like wellness exams and
immunizations, are paid at 100 percent after a co-pay.
- One deductible and out-of-pocket maximum apply to family
coverage. The entire family deductible must be met before
any benefits are paid.
- New deductibles are applied at the beginning of each
calendar year (carryovers from prior year do not apply).
- In accordance with federal law, these plans comply with
minimum annual deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket
expenses.
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