Your browser is out of date.

Explore how we can help you

Work with us

Top three reasons to get a Health Savings Account (HSA)

Individuals 06.14.2019 2 MIN READ


If you’ve been on the fence about getting an HSA, it’s time to get moving! Health savings accounts are one of the most powerful savings tools available and can be used in later years for both health—and non-health-related—expenses. Once you’ve seen the light, use it right and you’ll reap rewards into your retirement.

Why consider an HSA?
 

1. Triple tax savings

Contributions are made pre-tax and grow tax-free and distributions for qualified medical expenses are not taxed.

2. Portability

Unused funds rollover year to year and the balance can be carried with you if you leave an employer or retire.

3. Long-term savings vehicle

When the account reaches a certain balance, funds can be invested for tax-free growth. Balance can be used for Medicare, retiree medical premiums and qualified out-of-pocket expenses.


What is an HSA?

A tax-advantaged health care savings account designed to be paired with a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).

 

How much can I contribute each year?

The IRS sets an annual limit on how much can be contributed to an HSA.
 

2019: $3,500 single; $7,000 family

2020: $3,550 single; $7,100 family
 

The limit includes employee contributions and any employer contributions that may be made. If you’re age 55 or older, you can make additional catch-up contributions of $1,000.

 

What is the difference between individual and family coverage/contribution limits?

If you cover only yourself under your HDHP, you are limited to the single HSA contribution limit. If you cover anyone else under your HDHP (spouse or child) you can contribute up to the family limit.
 

Can my spouse and I have a joint HSA?

No, HSAs cannot be shared. Each spouse can have their own HSA.
 

I’m enrolled in Medicare, can I contribute to an HSA?

Once enrolled in Medicare (not just eligible), you can no longer contribute to an HSA. However, you can use your HSA to pay for Medicare expenses and premiums.
 

Can I have an FSA and also contribute to an HSA?

No, if you’re contributing to or have a balance in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) you’re not eligible to contribute to an HSA. Your spouse’s FSA will also make you ineligible. A Limited Purpose FSA can be used.
 

What is a Limited Purpose FSA?

A Limited Purpose FSA is a tax-advantaged healthcare account that can be paired with an HSA. It allows reimbursement for dental and vision expenses and possibly post-deductible expenses.
 

What can I use my HSA for?

To pay for qualified expenses for yourself, your spouse and dependent children up to age 19 (or age 24 if full-time student). See IRS Publication 502 for a full list of qualified expenses. If account is used for non-qualified expenses, distribution may be subject to tax and penalties.
 

If you have Ayco as a company benefit, register or log in to learn more about this and other financial wellness topics
 

WATCH

Jonathan Barber discussing the powerful benefits of HSAs or read more about HSAs.

For disclosures relating to this article, please click here.

Individuals | 11.22.2024 | 2 MIN

Year-end Planning Guide

Individuals | 10.04.2024

Watch: Goldman Sachs Insights | Fourth Quarter 2024

Individuals | 09.12.2024

Watch: Goldman Sachs Monthly Spotlight | September 2024

Individuals | 09.12.2024 | 2 MIN

Summer Review, Fall Preview

Individuals | 07.05.2024

Watch: Goldman Sachs Insights | Third Quarter 2024

Individuals | 06.06.2024

Watch: Goldman Sachs Monthly Spotlight | June 2024

Individuals | 05.24.2024 | 3 MIN

529 Savings Plans: 3 Uses Beyond Just Education Expenses

Individuals | 05.06.2024

Watch: Goldman Sachs Monthly Spotlight | May 2024

Individuals | 05.03.2024 | 6 MIN

Retirement challenges women face

Individuals | 03.05.2024

Watch: Goldman Sachs Monthly Spotlight | March 2024

Individuals | 02.16.2024 | 3 MIN

Tips for filing your 2023 tax return

Individuals | 02.06.2024

Watch: Goldman Sachs Monthly Spotlight | February 2024

Individuals | 01.12.2024 | 8 MIN

Outlook 2024 — America Powers On

Individuals | 12.05.2023

Watch: Goldman Sachs Monthly Spotlight | December 2023

Individuals | 11.14.2023 | 2 MIN

Tax Matters 2023: Insights to help you navigate the current tax environment

Individuals | 11.06.2023

Watch: Goldman Sachs Monthly Spotlight | November 2023

Individuals | 09.26.2023 | 5 MIN

All About Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

Individuals | 09.06.2023

Watch: Goldman Sachs Monthly Spotlight | September 2023

Individuals | 08.20.2023 | 2 MIN

Cost control to meet inflation leads 2023 U.S. employee benefits trends

Individuals | 08.04.2023

Watch: Goldman Sachs Monthly Spotlight | August 2023

Individuals | 06.27.2023 | 3 MIN

Strategies for Women Investors

Individuals | 06.07.2023

Private company equity compensation and benefits

Individuals | 06.06.2023

Watch: Goldman Sachs Monthly Spotlight | June 2023

Individuals | 06.01.2023

Updated IRS guidance on Qualified Medical Expenses

Individuals | 05.31.2023

Life insurance

Individuals | 05.10.2023 | 4 MIN

Budgeting for summer fun: A guide for families

Individuals | 05.08.2023

Eyes on the Horizon: Goldman Sachs Investment Insights

Individuals | 05.04.2023

Watch: Goldman Sachs Monthly Spotlight | May 2023

Individuals | 04.17.2023 | 2 MIN

Biden’s Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Proposals

Individuals | 04.04.2023 | 6 MIN

As bank stress grows, are markets signaling a US recession?

Individuals | 04.03.2023 | 2 MIN

3 tips for managing financial stress

Individuals | 03.29.2023 | 4 MIN

529s: Untapped funds may now roll over for retirement

Individuals | 03.23.2023 | 8 MIN

Caution: Heavy Fog—Key Themes to Watch This Year

Individuals | 03.22.2023 | 4 MIN

Financial Literacy Month is here

Individuals | 03.17.2023 | 4 MIN

Protect yourself from identity theft

Individuals | 03.08.2023 | 4 MIN

Set (or reset) your retirement goals at any age

Individuals | 03.08.2023 | 4 MIN

Smart strategies to pay down debt

Individuals | 03.07.2023 | 3 MIN

The SECURE Act 2.0: What changes in retirement legislation mean for your finances

Individuals | 03.06.2023

Watch: Goldman Sachs Monthly Spotlight | March 2023

Individuals | 02.04.2023 | 4 MIN

How to think about investments

Individuals | 02.03.2023

Watch: Goldman Sachs Monthly Spotlight | February 2023

Individuals | 01.27.2023 | 2 MIN

3 easy steps to help you become a saver

Individuals | 01.05.2023 | 4 MIN

Reducing spending and increasing savings were on this year’s holiday list

Individuals | 01.04.2023 | 4 MIN

Kickstart 2023 with resolutions you can keep

Individuals | 11.18.2022 | 2 MIN

2022 Top 5: Most-read personal finance articles

Individuals | 11.15.2022 | 3 MIN

Thinking of retiring soon? A critical decision on your pension payout could make all the difference.

Individuals | 10.21.2022 | 4 MIN

6 ways to give your finances a boost before 2023

Individuals | 10.06.2022 | 1 MIN

Goldman Sachs Q3 2022 Investment Update

Individuals | 09.27.2022 | 1 MIN

Financial Spotlight: An introduction to bonds

Individuals | 09.27.2022 | 1 MIN

Financial Spotlight: An introduction to market challenges

Individuals | 09.27.2022 | 1 MIN

Financial Spotlight: An introduction to market uncertainty

Individuals | 09.27.2022 | 1 MIN

Financial Spotlight: An introduction to money market funds

Individuals | 09.27.2022 | 1 MIN

Financial Spotlight: An introduction to risk

Individuals | 09.27.2022 | 1 MIN

Financial Spotlight: An introduction to stocks

Individuals | 09.22.2022 | 4 MIN

“Pay yourself first” for National Savings Day

Individuals | 08.31.2022 | 3 MIN

Let’s talk student loans

Individuals | 08.22.2022 | 4 MIN

Top 8 life insurance questions we’re hearing

Individuals | 08.01.2022 | 3 MIN

Financial Awareness Day: Your financial wellness guide

Individuals | 07.26.2022 | 3 MIN

Maximize your benefits this open enrollment

Individuals | 07.21.2022 | 4 MIN

A beginner’s guide to 401(k) plans

Individuals | 07.05.2022 | 5 MIN

Coaches corner: Balancing priorities

Individuals | 05.26.2022 | 4 MIN

529 Day: A coach Q&A

Individuals | 05.25.2022 | 2 MIN

3 steps toward financial wellness in 5 minutes or less

Individuals | 05.05.2022 | 3 MIN

Ways to increase or decrease your taxable income

Individuals | 04.19.2022 | 3 MIN

What financial stressors can coaches help you with today?

Individuals | 04.08.2022 | 2 MIN

Patrick Cantlay on his keys to success

Individuals | 03.29.2022 | 3 MIN

3 ways to build financial confidence: A financial planning guide for women

Individuals | 03.28.2022 | 2 MIN

Investing in stocks, explained in 6 questions

Individuals | 03.16.2022 | 3 MIN READ

A guide to HSAs and FSAs

Individuals | 02.21.2022 | 4 MIN READ

Retirement planning for all ages

Individuals | 02.02.2022 | 2 MIN

2-minute crash-course on the 2021 and 2022 standard deduction

Individuals | 02.02.2022 | 4 MIN

What you need to know about tax deductions and credits

Individuals | 01.28.2022 | 3 MIN

A quick guide to filing your tax return

Individuals | 01.27.2022 | 5 MIN

Discover your tax personality and stress less this tax season

Individuals | 01.26.2022 | 2 MIN

This tax season could be especially challenging, warns the IRS

Individuals | 12.15.2021 | 5 MIN

5-minute guide to keeping your financial resolutions

Individuals | 11.29.2021 | 2 MIN

2021 Top 5: Most read personal finance articles

Individuals | 11.29.2021 | 2 MIN

2021 Top 5: Most popular personal finance videos

Individuals | 10.26.2021 | 7 MIN

Make a lasting impact: 5 tips for charitable giving

Individuals | 10.12.2021 | 2 MIN

7 steps to prepare for holiday spending and set yourself up for success in 2022

Individuals | 09.14.2021 | 4 MIN READ

Protect your family’s future with life insurance

Individuals | 08.27.2021 | 3 MIN READ

Annual Enrollment: What to expect when talking with a coach

Individuals | 08.03.2021 | 5 MIN READ

Your annual enrollment to-do list—made easy

Individuals | 07.23.2021 | 4 MIN READ

Four tweaks to make to your retirement plan in 2021

Individuals | 07.21.2021 | 4 MIN READ

Four market trends reshaping how we invest

Individuals | 07.21.2021 | 4 MIN READ

Four market trends reshaping how we invest

Individuals | 07.08.2021 | 5 MIN READ

Learn to make stronger financial decisions in 5 minutes

Individuals | 07.02.2021

What COVID taught us about personal finance

Individuals | 06.15.2021 | 5 MIN READ

Reach your goals by creating financial checkpoints

Individuals | 05.25.2021 | 10 MIN READ

7 COVID-19 Personal Finance Myths Debunked

Individuals | 05.17.2021 | 3 MIN READ

4 tips to alleviate—and avoid—financial stress

Individuals | 04.12.2021 | 2 MIN

How to rebuild credit

Individuals | 04.12.2021 | 6 MIN

Saving vs investing: What's the difference?

Individuals | 04.12.2021 | 3 MIN

What's ESG investing and how do I know if it's right for me?

Individuals | 04.09.2021 | 5 MIN

From offer to closing—5 home buying steps to know

Individuals | 04.05.2021 | 3 min

What is risk tolerance and how does it impact my portfolio?

Individuals | 03.18.2021 | 3 MIN READ

Getting organized for tax season: What you need to know

Individuals | 02.26.2021 | 2 MIN

Your guide to retirement accounts

Individuals | 02.11.2021 | 3 MIN

Taxes: Refunds are not always your friend

Individuals | 01.22.2021 | 2 MIN

How a financial plan can benefit your health

Individuals | 12.18.2020 | 2 MIN READ

Use it, don't lose it: Emptying your FSA before year-end

Individuals | 12.17.2020 | 4 MIN READ

Saving for college: A guide to education funding

Individuals | 11.23.2020 | 3 MIN READ

Emergency fund: Why everyone needs a cash reserve

Individuals | 10.29.2020 | 3 MIN READ

The Consumer Sentiment Study: Post-lockdown edition

Individuals | 10.28.2020 | 3 MIN READ

Making the right decisions to reduce your healthcare costs

Individuals | 10.21.2020 | 4 MIN READ

Six questions to ask before making annual enrollment benefits elections

Individuals | 10.13.2020 | 3 MIN READ

Changing domicile during uncertain times: It may not be as easy as you think

Individuals | 09.16.2020 | 3 MIN READ

Retirement: What to expect when talking with a coach

Individuals | 09.09.2020 | 6 MIN READ

CARES Act: Penalty-free withdrawals

Individuals | 09.09.2020 | 6 MIN READ

What you need to know about life insurance

Individuals | 09.08.2020 | 6 MIN READ

How the CARES Act impacts required minimum distributions

Individuals | 09.03.2020 | 6 MIN READ

Wealth transfer strategies for volatile markets

Individuals | 08.13.2020 | 4 MIN READ

How telecommuting from a different state could impact your taxes

Individuals | 08.10.2020 | 4 MIN READ

A 4-minute guide to estate planning

Individuals | 08.06.2020 | 3 MIN READ

RMD FAQs: Eight important facts

Individuals | 07.07.2020 | 2 MIN READ

Thinking about an HSA?

Individuals | 07.01.2020 | 4 MIN READ

Investing in the COVID-19 era

Individuals | 06.02.2020 | 3 MIN READ

COVID-19 financial guidance from Ayco’s Counseling leaders—Part 2

Individuals | 06.02.2020 | 3 MIN READ

COVID-19 financial guidance from Ayco’s Counseling leaders—Part 1

Individuals | 05.28.2020 | 4 MIN READ

Five simple savings strategies everyone should know

Individuals | 05.14.2020 | 7 MIN READ

Key extenders from 2020 legislation

Individuals | 05.07.2020 | 4 MIN READ

How COVID-19 can impact income & estate taxes

Individuals | 05.05.2020 | 4 MIN READ

Close to retirement? Prepare for the transition in an uncertain economy

Individuals | 04.24.2020 | 2 MIN READ

COVID-19 educational refunds and 529s

Individuals | 04.20.2020 | 4 MIN READ

Ayco FAQs during the COVID-19 crisis

Individuals | 04.20.2020 | 2 MIN READ

IRS extends tax filing and payment deadline to July 15, 2020

Individuals | 04.20.2020 | 3 MIN READ

Speaking with a coach during the COVID-19 crisis

Individuals | 04.06.2020 | 5 MIN READ

Time away from work during the COVID-19 crisis: Does it impact your finances?

Individuals | 03.31.2020 | 3 MIN READ

Managing financial stress in times of economic volatility

Individuals | 03.27.2020 | 3 MIN READ

Creating a budget for uncertain times

Individuals | 03.27.2020 | 1 MIN READ

Trusted resources for COVID-19 information

Individuals | 03.23.2020 | 2 MIN READ

Six ways to make working from home work for you

Individuals | 02.10.2020 | 3 MIN READ

Household employees and employment taxes: Are you responsible?

Individuals | 02.03.2020 | 3 MIN READ

The SECURE Act's impact on spouses and designated beneficiaries

Individuals | 01.09.2020 | 2 MIN READ

Top five blogs of 2019 for individuals

Individuals | 12.03.2019 | 3 MIN READ

5 things employees need to know about the new draft W-4

Individuals | 10.30.2019 | 5 MIN READ

How can I protect my privacy in real estate transactions?

Individuals | 07.23.2019 | 5 MIN READ

Financial planning and benefit considerations for LGBTQ employees

Individuals | 07.01.2019 | 4 MIN READ

Long-term care insurance: What you need to know

Individuals | 04.24.2019 | 5 MIN READ

Extra cash? Some ideas to consider

Individuals | 04.05.2019 | 5 MIN READ

Do you have a withholding mismatch?

Individuals | 03.29.2019 | 3 MIN READ

Tax "basis" and stock-based compensation

Individuals | 03.15.2019 | 3 MIN READ

How to avoid phishing and identity theft during tax season

Individuals | 03.08.2019 | 3 MIN READ

The top five tax changes for 2018: What you need to know

Individuals | 03.01.2019 | 3 MIN READ

Identity fraud: 10 simple steps to protect yourself

Individuals | 02.22.2019 | 4 MIN READ

Avenues for preparing your taxes

Individuals | 02.15.2019 | 3 MIN READ

Getting organized for 2018 taxes: What you need to know

Individuals | 01.23.2019 | 2 MIN READ

New Year's resolutions: Make smarter financial decisions

Individuals | 01.23.2019 | 2 MIN READ

Top three reasons to get an HSA

Individuals | 01.21.2019 | 3 MIN READ

Using tax losses as a tax strategy: A primer

Individuals | 11.30.2018 | 1 MIN READ

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: The top 10 things you need to know

Individuals | 11.20.2018 | 3 MIN READ

Health savings accounts (HSAs)

Individuals | 11.09.2018 | 4 MIN READ

A hurricane season guide to protecting your family and finances

Individuals | 10.08.2018 | 3 MIN READ

Is a 401(k) loan right for you?

Individuals | 09.28.2018 | 3 MIN READ

Countdown to retirement

Individuals | 08.28.2018 | 3 MIN READ

Five steps for improving your credit score

Individuals | 08.20.2018 | 3 MIN READ

Retirement planning at any age

Individuals | 07.26.2018 | 3 MIN READ

Reconsidering protected income strategies

Individuals | 07.24.2018 | 2 MIN READ

Charitable giving by the letter

Individuals | 07.17.2018 | 3 MIN READ

Kids and college–making the right choice

Individuals | 06.22.2018 | 2 MIN READ

Perspectives on 2017 market volatility

Individuals | 05.31.2018 | 3 MIN READ

Financial considerations for the expanding family

Individuals | 05.30.2018 | 4 MIN READ

A guide to paying down your college debt

Individuals | 05.30.2018 | 2 MIN READ

What cryptocurrencies are and what you should know

Individuals | 05.29.2018 | 1 MIN READ

Combining finances with your partner