What is a Health Savings Account (HSA)?
An HSA a tax-favored savings account that is used in combination with a high deductible health insurance plan. The money in the account helps pay the deductible as well as any other eligible medical expenses—including coinsurance—that may not be covered by the plan once the deductible has been met.

An HSA is similar to an individual retirement account (IRA), because it too can be invested in a variety of investment vehicles, while accumulating tax-free interest. The advantage of an HSA compared to an IRA is that the funds from the HSA are not taxed when they are withdrawn to pay for qualified medical expenses.

The following requirements must be met:

• Minimum deductible: $1,000 individual; $2,000 family

• Out-of-pocket maximum (includes deductible): $5,000 individual; $10,000 family
• No services paid for prior to meeting deductible (except for preventive care)
• No deductible required for preventive care
• For family coverage: family deductible must be met before any reimbursement can be made
• No prescription drug copayments
• Higher limits allowed for non-participating provider services

What are the advantages of an HSA?