Your HSA account is designed to provide YOU flexibility in managing your expense disbursements and account deposits. The following options are available to every HSA account holder; how you choose to manage these options is up to you. Each option may have certain benefits and risks that may or may not be advisable given your health history and/or financial situation. We suggest you consult your tax or financial advisor as needed.

Funding Options:

• Put money in to your HSA account each month, the same way you now make premium payments on health insurance
• You can “catch up” contributions to increase your account if you began your HSA plan at some point during the year
• Build your HSA account balance to a level of exposure (relative to your selected deductible) that you are comfortable with, continue to fund the account on as-needed basis
• HSA account balances can be held in fixed rate savings accounts, invested in securities or a combination of both. We strongly suggest you consult your tax or financial advisor.

Withdrawal Options:

• Withdraw from available funds to pay for any qualified expenses as needed
• In the beginning, use HSA funds only for expenses that are covered by your health insurance. Try to avoid using your HSA money for any non-insurance plan covered services until you see if you are going to meet your deductible. Eventually, as the account builds, you may decide to reimburse yourself for non health-insurance covered services
• HSA money is not required to only pay medical expenses; you have choices. Funds can be left in the account to build up and held until retirement. While this may not be the specific intent of the HSA regulation, it is an option that may or may not make sense given other tax and investment strategies
• Refer to the list of qualified expenses, it is the guide to successfully managing your HSA

Before making final decisions about money in your HSA account, carefully consider all the options available to you. The information presented here is no substitute for professional consultation.

Save your receipts and keep good records of all qualified-expense withdrawals.