While President Donald Trump has talked about several remedies for healthcare, one he mentions often is expanding the use of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) – consumer directed accounts that are typically paired with high deductible health plans (HDHPs). Like flexible spending accounts (FSAs), they offer a convenient way to pay for out-of-pocket costs like doctor visit co-pays and other qualified medical expenses.
No Use It or Lose It Rule
One big advantage HSAs offer is that account balances are not subject to the Use It or Lose It rule that applies to FSAs – surplus funds can roll over from year to year. The IRS maximum annual contribution in 2017 is $3,400 for individuals and $6,750 for those with family coverage under a HDHP. Individuals age 55 and older can contribute an extra $1,000. HSAs can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses, while surplus funds can grow and be used in the future. Employer contributions, where available, can go a long way in meeting future qualified medical expenses. According to the 2016 Devenir HSA Market Survey, nearly a third of all funds contributed to HSAs in 2015 came from employers, with the average employer contribution being approximately $850.
A Triple Tax Advantage
A HDHP with an HSA can make it easy to set aside pre-tax dollars through payroll deductions. Individuals can also fund an HSA with after-tax dollars, which can be taken as a tax deduction on their personal tax return. Finally, all contributions accumulate tax free and can be withdrawn tax free to pay for future qualified medical expenses, including in retirement. No federal tax is due on funds contributed to a Health Savings Account, and many states follow the federal tax law.
Looking ahead, we know that healthcare costs will continue to rise and the need to engage employees will grow. Regardless of actions taken by the new administration, we believe HSAs are a great way to help employees save for future medical expenses and better understand the importance of cost and quality in the process.
While we are awaiting an announcement from the IRS, the cap put on allowable employee contributions to Flexible Spending Accounts is expected to increase by $50. The cap index, which is based on the medical component of the consumer price index, did not increase last year. Inflation has been high enough to support an increase from the current level of $2,550 to $2,600 for 2017, however employers do not have to increase the limit. Some employers are increasing the limit prior to open enrollment, while others will likely hold off and make the adjustment for their 2018 plan year.
