Self-directed mutual fund investment options are made available through the services of an independent investment advisor, or your plan sponsor. Discretionary advisory services are provided by Betterment LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser, with associated brokerage transactions provided by Betterment Securities, Member FINRA/SIPC. For details and disclosures visit betterment.com. The Schwab Health Savings Brokerage Account is offered through Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. For details and disclosures, visit schwab.com.
Orders are accepted to effect transactions in securities only as an accommodation to HSA owners. Optum Financial and its subsidiaries are not broker-dealers or registered investment advisors and do not provide investment advice or research concerning securities, make recommendations concerning securities or otherwise solicit securities transactions.
Health savings accounts (HSAs) and Medicare Advantage Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs) are individual accounts offered or administered through Optum Bank®, Member FDIC, a subsidiary of Optum Financial, Inc. Optum Financial, Inc. is not a bank or an FDIC insured institution. HSAs are subject to eligibility requirements and restrictions on deposits and withdrawals to avoid IRS penalties. State taxes may apply. Fees may reduce earnings on account.
Flexible spending accounts (FSAs), dependent care assistance programs (DCAPs), health reimbursem*nt arrangements (HRAs), Commuter and Parking Benefits, Tuition Assistance Plans, Adoption Assistance Plans, Surrogacy Assistance Plans, Wellness Benefits, and Lifestyle Accounts (collectively, “Employer-Sponsored Plans”) are administered on behalf of your plan sponsor by Optum Financial, Inc. ("Optum Financial") and are subject to eligibility and restrictions. Employer-Sponsored Plans are not individually owned and amounts available under the Employer-Sponsored Plan are not FDIC insured.
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The promotional code OPTFSA7, OPTHSA5 and OPTHRA7 cannot be applied to previously placed orders, and cannot be combined with other promotional codes. Additionally, the code cannot be used for prescription drugs or virtual care visits. Promotional codes are not transferable or redeemable for cash or credit. To apply a promotional code you must enter it prior to completing the order. Free and expedited shipping offers do not apply to shipping outside of the contiguous United States. Additional shipping restrictions may apply. The Optum Store is an affiliate of the UnitedHealth Group family of companies.
Your employer sponsored plan may exclude reimbursem*nt for certain categories of items. Check your plan document and summary plan description or contact your benefits department for specific coverage details.
FAQs
In addition to using an HSA for medical expenses, it can also be used as another way to save for retirement. Once you reach age 65, money held in an HSA can be withdrawn and used for any reason, the only catch being that you'll pay ordinary income taxes on withdrawals not used for qualified medical expenses.
Is an HSA considered a retirement account? ›
Health savings accounts (HSAs) didn't start as another type of retirement plan per se, but they can be used to help you reach your retirement goals. The main purpose of an HSA is to provide you with a tax advantage while saving and paying health care expenses.
How can an HSA save you money? ›
A type of savings account that lets you set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified medical expenses. By using untaxed dollars in a Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and some other expenses, you may be able to lower your overall health care costs.
What happens to the money in your HSA when you retire? ›
If you're 65 or older, retired and on Medicare, you're no longer eligible to contribute to the HSA, but can continue to use the funds for qualified medical expenses. If you're 65 or older, you're not limited to using an HSA just for health care expenses.
Can you use HSA as 401k? ›
You can have both an HSA and a 401(k). You can leverage the former to help you cover medical expenses, while the latter will help you to save up for retirement. Typically, you can opt for a certain amount of each paycheck to go into your HSA and your 401(k).
Can I use my HSA money for anything? ›
You can use HSA funds to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other qualified medical expenses. Withdrawals to pay eligible medical expenses are tax-free. Unspent HSA funds roll over from year to year, allowing you to build tax-free savings to pay for medical care later.
Should I put money in HSA or retirement? ›
In fact, the HSA is superior to a 401(k) when it comes to saving for retirement. HSAs have all the same advantages of a 401(k) — and more. Just like with a 401(k), you can contribute to an HSA until Medicare coverage starts.
Is saving in HSA the same as 401k? ›
Comparing HSAs and 401(k)s
The triple-tax-free aspect of an HSA makes it better for tax management than a 401(k). However, since HSA withdrawals can only be used for healthcare costs, the 401(k) is a more flexible retirement savings tool. The fact that an HSA has no RMD gives it more flexibility than a 401(k).
What are the rules for an HSA account? ›
Qualifying for an HSA Contribution
- You are covered under a high deductible health plan (HDHP), described later, on the first day of the month.
- You have no other health coverage except what is permitted under Other health coverage, later.
- You aren't enrolled in Medicare.
But remember, HSA stands for Health Savings Account, and the opportunity to save and build your balance over time is one of the important features of your account. If you don't spend the money in your account, it will carryover year after year. Your HSA can be used now, next year or even when you're retired.
A health savings account (HSA) is a type of bank account that helps you reduce your taxable income while saving money on a range of health care expenses. By using an HSA, you could save $840 per year on taxes, and a family could save $1,679 per year. Money in an HSA can also roll over from year to year.
How long can you keep money in HSA? ›
Account funds are automatically rolled over each year. Money can be used indefinitely, so long as the purchase is a qualified medical expense. People can invest their HSA funds to maximize long-term benefits.
Is it smart to max out your HSA? ›
Max out your contributions if you can
The more you can contribute, the more you can benefit from the HSA's potential triple tax advantages1. Keep in mind: you don't lose any unspent funds at the end of the year. Your HSA can be used now, next year or even when you're retired.
Can I use my HSA card for gas? ›
Fuel is eligible for transportation to and from medical care, up to the allowed mileage rate. Fuel, gasoline for medical care reimbursem*nt is eligible with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursem*nt arrangement (HRA).
Can you use HSA for dental? ›
You may already know that your HSA or FSA can be used for things like dental visits and crowns—but did you also know they can be used toward braces and other orthodontic work? It's true. FSAs and HSAs can help you get reimbursed for a wide variety of dental treatments for you and your family.
Why is HSA better than IRA? ›
An HSA also allows you more flexibility because you take withdrawals now (for qualified medical expenses) and during retirement. Roth IRAs offer tax-free growth. However, the contributions are taxable. But you can take out your contributions anytime without taxes or penalties.
What are disadvantages of HSA? ›
The main downside of an HSA is that you must have a high-deductible health insurance plan to get one. A health insurance deductible is the amount of money you must pay out of pocket each year before your insurance plan benefits begin.
When should you not use an HSA? ›
HSAs might not make sense if you have some type of chronic medical condition. In that case, you're probably better served by traditional health plans. HSAs might also not be a good idea if you know you will be needing expensive medical care in the near future.
What are the pros and cons of an HSA? ›
You pay less out-of-pocket due to the lower deductible and copay, but pay more each month in premium. HSA plans generally have lower monthly premiums and a higher deductible. You may pay more out-of-pocket for medical expenses, but you can use your HSA to cover those costs, and you pay less each month for your premium.
Is HSA tax free after 65? ›
At age 65, you can take penalty-free distributions from the HSA for any reason. However, in order to be both tax-free and penalty-free the distribution must be for a qualified medical expense. Withdrawals made for other purposes will be subject to ordinary income taxes.
HSAs have a triple-tax advantage. The contributions are tax-deductible, the growth is tax-free and withdrawals are tax-free for qualified medical expenses. An HSA also allows you more flexibility because you take withdrawals now (for qualified medical expenses) and during retirement. Roth IRAs offer tax-free growth.
What can an HSA not be used for? ›
Generally, you can't use your HSA to pay for expenses that don't meaningfully promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or disease. Nutritional supplements and weight loss programs not prescribed by a physician are examples of expenses that would not be covered by your HSA.
Can you roll HSA into IRA? ›
HSA funds can't be rolled over into an IRA account. There's also no reason to do so, because you preserve your right to use the funds tax-free for medical costs at any time with an HSA.
Is an HSA better than a retirement account? ›
Comparing HSAs and 401(k)s
The triple-tax-free aspect of an HSA makes it better for tax management than a 401(k). However, since HSA withdrawals can only be used for healthcare costs, the 401(k) is a more flexible retirement savings tool. The fact that an HSA has no RMD gives it more flexibility than a 401(k).
Can you use HSA for condoms? ›
You can use your FSA or HSA funds to pay for birth control pills and condoms. You can also use them for erectile dysfunction (ED) medications like Viagra®.
Do you lose HSA money if you don't use it? ›
But remember, HSA stands for Health Savings Account, and the opportunity to save and build your balance over time is one of the important features of your account. If you don't spend the money in your account, it will carryover year after year. Your HSA can be used now, next year or even when you're retired.
What is the disadvantage of HSA? ›
The main downside of an HSA is that you must have a high-deductible health insurance plan to get one. A health insurance deductible is the amount of money you must pay out of pocket each year before your insurance plan benefits begin.
