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What is the Long-Term Value of an HSA?

Lively · March 20, 2018 · 3 min read

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Health costs are rising. Over time, these costs experience compound growth. How can you save for today to combat that cost growth? A Health Savings Account. An HSA is the only dedicated health account that can help you save or invest money for the long-term. In fact, the long-term value of an HSA is not just limited to dedicated health savings, it is actually another IRA hiding in plain sight. Let us show you how to take advantage of your HSA benefits.

Dedicated Savings for Health Costs

Adding money to your HSA is not just securing savings for this year. An HSA creates health savings for years to come. How? Unlike an FSA, your HSA funds will never expire. You own it. You can take it from job to job. You can spend whenever you need it or invest it, even if you don’t have a qualifying HSA health plan (Like a HDHP)? Yes, really!

Once you contribute to your HSA account (qualifying HSA health plan required), you can use it even after you switch to a non-qualified plan as long as you use it for qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses. Save funds in your HSA today and use them whenever you want. This strategy ensures you have dedicated health savings to pay for rising health costs in the years to come. A small investment today could make a big difference tomorrow.

General (non-health specific) Retirement Savings

One lesser known perk of the HSA is that after 65 years of age, you can use your HSA for anything, not just qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses. It’s just like your 401k or IRA. This means you have a new tax-free growth account for long-term savings. On top of that, no mandatory distributions enhance the HSAs savings value into retirement so your account can grow well into your 70s, 80s and 90s. HSAs aren’t just for health savings anymore! Their tax advantages make them a not-so-secret retirement savings account just like a 401k or IRA.

Tax-Free Earnings

In addition the pre-tax contributions, that are a clear short-term value of an HSA, you can earn tax-free earnings from HSA interest-rate or investments. This means any pre-tax funds you contribute can grow tax-free through interest-rates. If you want more risk, you can invest your HSA funds. Any HSA investment growth is also 100% tax-free (very few states don’t allow for tax free gains so be sure to consult with a tax professional). Using an HSA helps you Invest in your health®.

The long-term value of HSA benefits are becoming more clear to consumers, this is likely why HSA investments grew 53% from 2016 to 2017. You get to decide if you want to use your HSA funds today or save for tomorrow. HSA benefits create flexibility for your health and financial needs.

Lively

Lively

Lively is the modern HSA experience built for—and by—those seeking stability in the ever-shifting healthcare landscape. By harnessing modern innovation and deep industry expertise, Lively is committed to bridging today’s savings with tomorrow’s unknowns. Unlike traditional institutions hindered by bureaucracy, Lively’s commitment extends beyond initial set up to providing dedicated, ongoing support and education for every step. So each HSA can reach its maximum potential with minimal headache.

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Benefits

2023 and 2024 HSA Maximum Contribution Limits

Lively · May 16, 2023 · 3 min read

On May 16, 2023 the Internal Revenue Service announced the HSA contribution limits for 2024. For 2024 HSA-eligible account holders are allowed to contribute: $4,150 for individual coverage and $8,300 for family coverage. If you are 55 years or older, you’re still eligible to contribute an extra $1,000 catch-up contribution.

comparing hsa versus fsa

Benefits

What is the Difference Between a Flexible Spending Account and a Health Savings Account?

Lauren Hargrave · February 9, 2024 · 12 min read

A Health Savings Account (HSA) and Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA) provide up to 30% savings on out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. That’s good news. Except you can’t contribute to an HSA and Healthcare FSA at the same time. So what if your employer offers both benefits? How do you choose which account type is best for you? Let’s explore the advantages of each to help you decide which wins in HSA vs FSA.

Benefits of HSA employer matching

Health Savings Accounts

Ways Health Savings Account Matching Benefits Employers

Lauren Hargrave · October 13, 2023 · 7 min read

Employers need employees to adopt and engage with their benefits and one way to encourage employees to adopt and contribute to (i.e. engage with) an HSA, is for employers to match employees’ contributions.

Disclaimer: the content presented in this article are for informational purposes only, and is not, and must not be considered tax, investment, legal, accounting or financial planning advice, nor a recommendation as to a specific course of action. Investors should consult all available information, including fund prospectuses, and consult with appropriate tax, investment, accounting, legal, and accounting professionals, as appropriate, before making any investment or utilizing any financial planning strategy.

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