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Self-Directed Health Savings Account

HDHPs and HSAs: Tax-Free Medical Savings

A new option to reduce your health care costs is the combination of a high deductible health plan (HDHP) and a health savings account (HSA). To qualify for an HSA, you must have an HDHP.

The HDHP is a health insurance policy that features a higher annual deductible than traditional health plans.

HSAs were created to help individuals and families save for qualified medical expenses on a tax-free basis. An HSA can be used for medical expenses, such as prescriptions, eye care, dental and some over-the-counter medications. The funds contributed to your HSA are tax-deductible, reducing your taxable income.

Entrust HSA: Earnings with a Bonus

Most HSAs provide only savings or money market accounts, limiting what your HSA can earn. With an Entrust self-directed HSA, you can self-direct your funds into real estate, mortgages, limited partnerships, mutual funds and more.

You have complete control and may direct your funds into investments that you know offer maximum growth, ensuring financial security for when you need it the most.

Unlike a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), an HSA is not a "use it or lose it" account.

Should You Consider a Health Savings Account?

Yes, if you meet the following conditions:

  • You have a high-deductible health plan.
  • You are generally not covered by any health plan that is not a high- deductible plan.
  • You are not enrolled in Medicare.
  • You may not be claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return.

Resources

To learn more about Health Savings plans, visit the following:

  • Entrust Learning Center.  The Entrust Learning Center contains the latest information, articles and case studies on self-directing your Health Savings Account assets.
  • HSA for America, a web site devoted to informing you on the great money saving benefits of HSAs and HDHPs.

How Much Can You Contribute?

The amount you can contribute depends on whether you’re contributing on behalf of yourself or your family.

Contribution Type

Individual Coverage

2007

$2,850

2008

$2,900

 

In future years, these amounts will be adjusted for cost-of-living increases in increments of $50.

Family Plan

2007

$5,650

2008

$5,800

Catch-Up Contributions

2007

$800 (eligible individuals age 55 and up)

2008

$900 (eligible individuals age 55 and up)

How do I contribute to an HSA?
Contribute to an HSA either as a transfer or roll over from an existing HSA, make regular contributions, or both. You may only make regular contributions if you are covered by a high-deductible health plan.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Contact an Entrust professional in one of our local offices to establish a self-directed Health Savings Plan or open an account

 

 

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