How to Use Your Health Savings Account This Year

01.25.2022 | 2 min read

Man tries on glasses at the store and uses his Health Savings Account to buy them

If you have a high-deductible health plan, chances are you may have chosen to open a health savings account. A health savings account, or HSA, your very own personal savings account to set aside money for health care expenses today, tomorrow or in retirement. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your HSA this year.

Contribute the maximum

Your HSA is a great way to manage costs for common or unexpected health care expenses. So, if you’re able, contribute the maximum amount the IRS allows each year to grow your savings. Or, at a minimum contribute enough to cover your deductible. Visit irs.gov* for current contribution limits.

Know what expenses are eligible

You can use money in your HSA to pay for health expenses for yourself and eligible dependents. You can pay onsite with an HSA debit card, which pulls directly from funds saved in your HSA, or pay out-of-pocket and submit a receipt to be reimbursed from your HSA. Eligible expenses include:

Breast pumps and lactation support supplies
Certain over-the-counter medications
Copays
Contact lenses
Deductible
Dental work
Eyeglasses
Hearing aids
Prescribed medication
Weight-loss program for a disease diagnosed by a physician

For the full list of eligible expenses, see the IRS’ Publication 502.

Designate a beneficiary

This ensures your HSA dollars are transferred according to your wishing, without tax consequences, in the event of death. To learn more about HSAs, visit bcbsm.com. *Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan doesn’t own or control this website. More from MIBluesPerspectives:

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