How do HSA work - Health Saving plans

A few years back the Ohio State Medical Association (OSMA) endorsed Health Savings Accounts before the Ohio House Ways and Means Committee. This (also known as an HSA) is a tax-favored savings account. These accounts can be used in conjunction with a high-deductible HSA-compatible health insurance plan. This allows Ohio residents to make healthcare more affordable and also to save for retirement.

The HSA is a tax-favored savings account. This type of account is owned by an individual and is used only for qualified current or future medical expenses. Health savings accounts allow the holder to have control over their healthcare dollars and it also offers premium savings. This allows the healthcare user to pay for services and decide how to make the best use of their money.

These are used in conjunction with a high deductible health care plan. The plan is used for large medical expenses, such as surgeries, while the money in the HSA is used for smaller, out-of-pocket medical costs. The premiums on health savings accounts are quite a bit lower than on traditional health plans-as much as thirty or even forty percent lower.

One of the great advantages of the Ohio Health Savings Accounts is that the money is tax-deductible. So not only are you saving money on your health care plan and tucking money away for small medical expense, it may save you money when tax time rolls around. The funds are tax exempt and can be drawn upon for other expenses as well as used as a supplementary retirement savings account when you reach the age of sixty-five.

Taking advantage of the Ohio Health Savings Account can make health care cost a great deal less. An employee, their employer or both individuals can contribute funds but the funds belong to the individual. Self-employed people may also set up a health savings account. The account will stay with you throughout your career and will continue growing interest. Family members can contribute funds on behalf of immediate family and withdrawals that are for qualified medical expenses are always tax-free.

To sign up for a health savings account of your own it is necessary to enroll in a qualified deductible health plan and this must be your sole healthcare coverage. After being enrolled, you will be qualified to set up your health savings account with an HSA administrator. A minimum deposit may be required in some instances. You will receive a packet of instructions, a debit card and/or checks and you will begin receiving monthly statements reflecting your account withdrawals and contributions. Many of your questions can be answered by the health plan agents.

Tracy McManamon is the owner of one of the most popular sites for Ohio Health Savings Accounts. Get a free quote at One Source Benefits today

Monick
2009-11-18
Are Flexible spending accounts different from Health savings accounts? I know health savings accounts expire- which I think is insane. But do Flexible Spending accounts do? Are they just the same thing? Am I really that confused?

philburt
2009-11-18
I want to purchase have both a flexible spending account policy and health savings account plan? I understand that for the most part I can't, but why? What's the big deal?

Tracy McManamon
2009-11-27
Monick, Yes, FSA are very different than HSAs. As a matter of fact, HSAs DO NOT expire. That money is yours, and it will roll over year after year until you spend it or turn 65. Please visit our site for more info or give us a call at 877-549-1212. To Your Health, One Source Benefits

Tracy McManamon
2009-11-27
Philburt, You actually ARE allowed to purchase both of these. To Your Health, One Source Benefits

Jeff Callison
2010-03-04
Thanks for the information. I decided to buy an HSA but I went with another broker in Ohio. Their firm specializes in that type of policy.

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