You can pay for a wide range of IRS-qualified medical expenses with your HSA, including many that aren’t typically covered by health insurance plans. This includes deductibles, co-insurance, prescriptions, dental and vision care, and more.

Do HSA purchases get audited?

HSA account holders are responsible for reporting their own distributions to the IRS through Tax Form 8889. It’s recommended that HSA owners keep records of all their distributions, in the event, they ever become audited by the IRS.

Can a HSA be used for medical expenses?

While you can use the funds in an HSA at any time to pay for qualified medical expenses, you may contribute to an HSA only if you have a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) — generally a health plan (including a Marketplace plan) that only covers preventive services before the deductible.

How to compare health care flexible spending accounts?

For a quick comparison chart showing the differences between an HSA, an HRA, and a Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA), use the Comparison Chart for HSA, HRA and HCFSA . To view all plans available in your area, use the OPM Tool to Compare Plans by ZIP Code

How to determine out of pocket cost of HSA plan?

Review the plan design elements: deductible, out-of-pocket limits, the amount the plan contributes to your HSA, known as the “premium pass through,” or the amount the plan credits to your HRA. Subtract the annual plan contributions from the annual plan deductible to determine your true out-of-pocket cost (also known as your “net deductible”).

Why do I need to save money in my HSA account?

Consider these reasons for saving: When you use HSA funds for qualified medical expenses, you don’t pay taxes. The money you contribute to your account, any earnings and any withdrawals for qualified expenses — all are tax-free. Think about your health care costs in retirement.