What percentage of Americans have an HSA?

Asked by: Allen Wisozk  |  Last update: October 27, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (52 votes)

Unfortunately, right now, according to IRS data, only about one in ten Americans has an HSA, or about 33 million people. And that percentage is unlikely to rise — ever — without an act of Congress. Why?

How common are HSAs?

“The growth is really accelerating in HSA assets,” said Jon Robb, senior VP of research and technology at Devenir. Consumers had about 32 million total HSAs by the end of 2021, an annual increase of 8%, according to a semiannual study published by the consulting firm.

How much savings does the average person have in an HSA?

The average HSA balance rose from $2,645 at the beginning of 2021 to $3,902 by the end of 2021. This indicates that account holders were more prepared to manage an unexpected medical emergency at the end of the year than at the start.

How many Americans have HSA or FSA?

HSAs gain traction with older and younger Americans alike, covering more than 63 million people across all 50 states at the end of 2020. The 30 million health savings accounts are helping cover eligible healthcare expenses for an estimated 63 million people.

How many people invest in their HSA?

More HSAs are investing than ever before according to Devenir. But market headwinds have slowed growth in the past year. Despite these conditions, 2.6 million account holders used their HSAs to invest. About 7.2% of all HSA accounts had some money in investments in 2022, up from 6.9% the prior year and 3.7% in 2018.

The Real TRUTH About An HSA - Health Savings Account Insane Benefits

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What is the downfall of HSA?

The main downside of an HSA is that you must have a high-deductible health insurance plan to get one. A health insurance deductible is the amount of money you must pay out of pocket each year before your insurance plan benefits begin.

Is it worth having an HSA account?

There's a triple tax advantage

Three are better. First, contributions to an HSA are federally tax-deductible, reducing your taxable income. Depending on where you live, you may also get a break on state income taxes. Second, both contributions and earnings grow federal tax-free.

Who is the largest HSA provider?

HealthEquity is a nonbank HSA custodian and one of the largest HSA providers.

What percentage of employees contribute to an HSA?

About half (53.7 percent) of eligible employees enrolled in the HSA-qualifying health plan option when offered the opportunity. (See Table 6.) Of those that did, 90 percent actually opened an account and 85 percent made contributions to their account.

What is the highest HSA contribution?

HSA contribution limits for 2024
  • The maximum contribution for self-only coverage is $4,150.
  • The maximum contribution for family coverage is $8,300.
  • Those age 55 and older can make an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution.

What is a good HSA balance in retirement?

According to the Fidelity Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate, an average retired couple age 65 in 2022 may need approximately $315,000 saved (after tax) to cover health care expenses in retirement.

How much cash should I keep in my HSA?

The short answer: As much as you're able to (within IRS contribution limits), if that's financially viable. If you're covered by an HSA-eligible health plan (or high-deductible health plan), the IRS allows you to put as much as $3,850 per year (in 2023) into your health savings account (HSA).

Can you use HSA for dental?

You can also use HSAs to help pay for dental care. While dental insurance can help cover costs, an HSA can also help cover any out-of-pocket expenses resulting from dental care and procedures.

Do HSA accounts grow?

Health savings accounts are for more than just routine medical expenses. By investing a portion of your account, you can potentially grow your funds tax-free.

Where does unspent HSA money go?

HSAs: The basics

What's more, unlike health flexible spending accounts (FSAs), HSAs are not subject to the "use-it-or-lose-it" rule. Funds remain in your account from year to year, and any unused funds may be used to pay for future qualified medical expenses.

What is a good HSA contribution from employer?

For companies employing fewer than 500 people, the average contribution is $750 per single employee or $1,200 for an employee plus dependents. Companies that employ more than 500 people generally contribute $500 per single employee or $1,000 for an employee plus dependents.

Can an employer take back an HSA contribution?

It's also important to note, if your employer made contributions to your HSA, those contributions are yours to keep as well. Your employer can't take back any of their contributions—all the money in your HSA is yours to keep and use.

Do employers put money into HSA?

Does an employer have to contribute to employees' HSAs? No. Employer contributions are optional. Most employers provide some funding of employees' accounts, particularly during the first few years as employees build balances through their own pre-tax payroll contributions.

Why an HSA is the best health insurance?

A health savings account (HSA) can help you lower your taxes, pay for health care more easily and even save for retirement. HSAs are only available with high-deductible health plans. You can use HSA funds to pay for eligible health care expenses and for out-of-pocket costs your health plan doesn't cover.

Why is HSA insurance more expensive?

Because HSA-qualified health plans have higher deductibles, the burden of upfront medical costs is more immediately apparent to those who have this type of coverage. The plans usually have smaller monthly premiums, but the trade-off is more out-of-pocket expenses before insurance kicks in.

How much does HSA grow annually?

You start your HSA account at age 26. You make the maximum family coverage contribution every year until age 65, including catch-up contributions. You earn an average annual return of 8% by investing in the stock market. You do not withdraw funds for medical expenses.

Can you have too much money in HSA?

Putting too much money in your HSA can happen, but the IRS isn't happy when it happens. In fact, you'll be penalized for it unless you catch it and fix it.

Should I start HSA at 55?

Is it too late to start saving? As you near retirement, contributing to your HSA can help you save for health care needs during retirement while taking advantage of pre-tax contributions. If you're age 55 or older, you can also take advantage of the $1,000 annual catch up contribution.

Am I too old to start an HSA?

Should you start an HSA later in life? While it is always better to open an HSA early so the money can grow over time, starting one at age 55 or later isn't a bad idea.

Why not to choose HSA?

The Downside of HSAs

HSAs might not make sense if you have some type of chronic medical condition. In that case, you're probably better served by traditional health plans. HSAs might also not be a good idea if you know you will be needing expensive medical care in the near future.