Health savings accounts (HSAs) have grown in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic caused millions of Americans to worry about getting sick. A recent industry report from Devenir reveals that the number of new HSA accounts increased by 8% last year, and this trend is only expected to continue. By the end of 2024, there will likely be more than 38 million HSAs, with assets topping $150 billion. It’s easy to understand why HSAs have increased in demand throughout the pandemic, since they are a great solution to help cover unexpected medical costs — like an unplanned hospital stay.
But HSAs are more powerful than most people realize. For example, Voya research reveals that only 2% of individuals are aware of the key attributes of HSAs.(1) With employers increasingly offering high-deductible health plans with an HSA option to their employees, chances are you already have an HSA or perhaps are considering opening one. Whether you are a pro when it comes to HSAs or just using one for the first time, we all can find value to reviewing ways that we can realize the full potential of these powerful savings, spending and investing vehicles.
Read these 10 tips to help maximize the benefits of your HSA.
Tip #1: If you switch jobs, your HSA comes with you
The pandemic-era trend known as the “Great Resignation” has led to a record number of people voluntarily quitting their jobs as many are changing course for a variety of reasons — increased compensation, greater flexibility or better workplace benefits, to name a few. In fact, a record 4.5 million Americans quit their jobs in March, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Therefore, if you fall into this category and are considering switching jobs, there’s no need to worry about losing any of the hard-earned dollars you contributed to your HSA. If you leave your job (for whatever reason), your HSA comes with you — since you, not your employer, own the account.
Tip #2: You can change your HSA contributions at any time
Typically, when most people think about their workplace benefits, they may have “flashbacks” to their employer’s open enrollment period. For many, open enrollment can be a stressful time, having to consider all of your needs and making the right choices for workplace benefits for the following year. Interestingly, Voya research reveals that the majority of American workers (72%) indicated they would rather service their car, visit the dentist or prepare for tax season instead of reviewing their workplace benefit options.
Now, while you do need to enroll in an HSA during open enrollment, deciding how much to contribute from each paycheck is not something you need to stress over. What do I mean? While most …….