What is a "qualifying high-deductible health plan"?
A qualifying health plan is:
- an individual or group insurance plan that meets the requirements for deductible, co-insurance, supplemental coverage and reporting requirements established by the IRS, or
- an uninsured health plan that meets these same requirements.
Is the interest or investment income in an HSA taxable?
No. The interest or investment income in an HSA is not taxable income. If HSA funds are used to pay “qualified” medical expenses, distributions will not be taxed. That means current taxes are reduced, earnings grow tax free, and no taxes are paid on amounts withdrawn to pay qualified medical expenses. If a distribution is taken from an HSA and not used to pay qualified medical expenses, federal income tax is owed on the withdrawn amounts and may be subject to an additional 10% penalty tax. Amounts invested in an HSA may be withdrawn on a taxable basis, without penalty, after the account holder reaches the age required to be eligible for Medicare, becomes disabled or dies.
What is the tax treatment of employer contributions to an employee’s HSA?
In the case of an employee who is an eligible individual, employer contributions to the employee’s HSA are treated as employer-provided coverage for medical expenses under an accident or health plan and are excludable from the employee’s gross income.
What qualifying medical expenses may be covered by the HSA?
“Qualified” medical expenses are those for medical care as defined in section 213(d) of the Internal Revenue Code, and may include hospital costs, doctor’s office visits, prescription and non-prescription drugs, lab tests, eyeglasses, hearing aids, counseling fees and health insurance deductibles and co-payments.
When can HSA contributions be made?
Contributions must be made during the tax year or in the following tax year prior to the tax filing date, excluding extensions.
What happens to an HSA when the account holder no longer has a high-deductible health plan?
The HSA remains unaffected until funds are withdrawn. However, additional contributions cannot be made.