Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

Approved by the U.S. Congress, a health savings account (HSA) is the newest way to help you manage health care costs and save for future qualified medical expenses. An HSA is an interest-bearing tax-exempt savings account that’s coupled with an economical, HSA-qualified high-deductible health plan (HDHP). HSAs provide you with more control over your health care dollars. 

HSA Basics

• You may use the HSA to pay for qualified medical expenses now and after retirement for you, your spouse and qualified tax dependents.
• HSAs are tax-deductible, interest-bearing accounts that permit unused funds to carry over from year to year, even if you change employment.
• Contributions, withdrawals to pay for qualified medical expenses and interest earned on contributions are tax-free up to the amount set by federal law.
• The account is permanent—all money and interest earned belong to you.

Contributions

• You and other individuals may make tax-advantaged contributions, up to certain limits, to your HSA.
• If you’re under age 65, you are eligible to contribute to an HSA if:
  • You are covered by a qualifying HDHP;
  • You are not entitled to Medicare;
  • You are not eligible to be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return; and
  • You do not have other health insurance (except coverage such as dental, vision and disability).
• If you’re over age 65 and not eligible for Medicare or not enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B, you’re still eligible to establish or contribute to an HSA.
• For 2007, annual contributions may be made up to 100 percent of the HSA-qualified health plan deductible, limited to $2,850 for a self-only policy and $5,650 for a family policy.
• Individuals between the ages of 55 and 65 and over age 65 who are not entitled to Medicare may make additional “catch-up” contributions of up to $600 in 2005, increasing to $1,000 annually in 2009 and thereafter.

Distributions

• HSA distributions are tax-free if they are used to pay for qualified medical expenses. Distributions made for any other purpose are subject to income tax and a 10 percent penalty.
• Once a person is 65 years old, the money may be used to pay for medical expenses and certain insurance premiums, such as Medicare Parts A, B and D, Medicare HMO, and an employee’s share of retiree medical insurance. Distributions may also be made for non-qualified medical expenses without the 10 percent penalty.

Custodian and Financial Services Provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has aligned with JPMorgan Chase Bank to supply HSAs to members. Chase offers a Visa® debit card for easier access to the funds in your HSA, check-writing availability, online account management services and other investment options. 
HSA accountholders may invest in various mutual funds offered by Chase. Accountholders must have at least $2,000 in their HSA for transfer into an investment account. 
 
How It Works

• You enroll in an Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield HSA-qualified HDHP. You’ll pay lower premiums and have an account designed to help you pay for qualified medical expenses.
• You establish an interest-bearing HSA.
• You and other individuals may make tax-advantaged contributions to your HSA, up to certain limits (as described in Contributions above).
• You may use your Chase HSA debit card or personal check* to pay for qualified medical expenses. Chase will provide a monthly statement for your HSA account.

* Check processing fees may apply.

You will receive details about setting up an HSA with Chase upon approval of your enrollment in an Anthem HSA-qualified HDHP. Or, for more information, call Chase at 800-778-0898 toll free Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Mountain Time.