Emergence of HSAs enables employees to self-fund health care

Health saving accounts (HSAs) are tax-advantaged, interest-bearing savings accounts that give employees the ability to fund their own account and offer the flexibility to set aside dollars for their own health care.

An HSA can serve as a savings buffer for medical bills that are unexpected or higher than anticipated. The HSA balance remains in the account year to year, similar to an individual retirement account (IRA), giving employees the flexibility and control to manage their own health care dollars as they see fit.

HSAs can be paired with high deductible health plans (HDHPs) and can be used tax-free to pay for larger deductible or expenses that an employee’s insurance company doesn’t cover. Not all HDHPs are HSA compatible. HSAs can be used for current medical expenses or funds can be saved to pay off future medical expenses.