Archive for January, 2009
7 Things You Should Know About Health Savings Account Plans
Here are some pointers to help you consider whether an HSA will benefit you and your family.
1. An HSA plan can cut healthcare costs by an average of 40% for many people.
Nevertheless, some people will not realize any net savings. Those most likely to realize significant savings are people who pay all of their own health insurance premiums, such as the self-employed, who are relatively healthy with few medical expenses.
2. Health savings account plans restore freedom of choice.
An HSA plan puts individual consumers back in control of their own health care. This also means that each individual must be more responsible for his or her own health care decisions. This approach of self-reliance is not always popular with or appropriate for everyone, especially those who have become comfortable with HMO-type “co-pay” plans.
3. Health savings accounts reduce income taxes.
Every dollar contributed into your HSA account is deducted from your taxable income in the same manner as contributions into a traditional IRA account–regardless of whether you spend it or just save it. Interest and investment earnings in a HSA accumulate tax-deferred, just like a traditional IRA. Unlike an IRA, withdrawals are tax-FREE when used to pay qualifying medical expenses. In many situations, new account holders are able to almost fully fund their HSA with money saved on premiums from a prior, higher priced plan. By stashing all or most of those savings into an HSA, the account holder realizes instant, additional savings in the form of reduced taxes.
4. You must have a properly qualified high health insurance policy in place first before
you can open a health savings account. One of the biggest misconceptions about HSA plans is that any insurance policy with a high deductible will qualify the policyholder to establish an HSA account. IRS regulations, however, are quite specific. Not just any policy with a so-called “high deductible” will suffice. It is important to be certain that you are insured under a properly qualified policy. Your best bet is to work with a qualified and duly licensed health insurance broker who is experienced in marketing properly qualified HSA plans.
5. You must be insurable in order to qualify for the HSA-qualified health insurance policy.
Because most people do not have a properly qualified high deductible insurance policy, they will need to switch insurance plans in order to become HSA-eligible. Unless coverage is being offered under small group reform laws (generally groups with 2-49 employees), the new high deductible policy will be individually underwritten by an insurance company. This means that some “pre-existing” conditions may not be fully covered. Alternatively, some companies may opt to cover certain “pre-existing” conditions in exchange for slightly higher premiums. Unfortunately, some health conditions simply render an individual uninsurable (examples: diabetes, chron’s disease, heart attack, etc.). Underwriting requirements vary by state, which is another reason to rely on an experienced health plan broker.
You should not switch to a HSA plan when the management of existing medical expenses is more important than saving up-front medical insurance premiums. Do not change health plans: in the middle of ongoing medical treatments; after a major health issue has been diagnosed; or if any family member is pregnant.
Generally, it is relatively hassle-free to qualify, i.e. no medical exams, etc. Most insurance companies offering HSA coverage will issue based on your application answers, perhaps accompanied by a follow-up telephone interview. In some cases, medical records may be requested, and companies always reserve the right to order a paramed exam.
6. Although HSA insurance premiums are low, they are not always as low as you might expect.
This happens for one main reason. Simply stated, the underlying insurance policy is just that—a health insurance policy. Although it has a “high” deductible, as required by law, the insurance company still must compensate for the risk it is assuming over the deductible amount, which it does by charging premiums. Many companies offer policies with “one deductible” that all family members contribute toward. With those plans, it is not uncommon for premiums for a 5000 family deductible with 100% coverage after the deductible to be comparable to a 2500 “per person” deductible plan with 80/20 coverage after the deductible.
Lower premiums represent just one element of the lower net cost achieved with an HSA plan. The low net cost of an HSA plan is achieved after factoring in the benefits of lower taxes, made possible by the tax-deductible contribution to the HSA account. Thus, if obtaining the lowest possible gross premium is your main concern, you may wish to consider a high deductible, non-HSA policy, especially if you do not see the benefit to contributing to a tax-deductible savings account.
7. An HSA offers your best chance to keep a lid on health insurance rate increases.
Make no mistake-you will have rate increases with your HSA insurance policy. Because an HSA qualified policy is still a health insurance policy at heart, there is no logical reason to presuppose that an HSA policy would be immune to rate increases required by an insurer to keep paying claims and stay in business. But what you can expect is that the actual dollar amount of any future rate increases will be substantially lower compared to traditional health insurance plans (regular PPO and HMO plans). This is true because insurers base increases on percentages, and the same percentage of a lower base premium results in a lower dollar increase. It’s not a perfect solution-but it is the most cost-efficient solution for many qualified people.
By: deanrichard77
About the Author:
C. Dean Richard is a benefits consultant and financial planner with over 25 years experience. His nationwide agency has marketed health savings account plans and its predecessor, the medical savings accounts, since 1999. His familiarity with the HSA plans has earned him the nickname “the HSA king.” Clients of his agency range from white-collared self-employed professionals to spouses of employees who must purchase their own individual health insurance.
Health savings accounts
Tips on Saving Money Weekly
Staying away from the rent to own places will save you money weekly and a lot when the item is paid for. If you are in a business, the computer goes out and has to be in the shop for a week, and you just can’t be without it; going to rent to own is possibly going to save your business. Let them know ahead of time it is only temporary so rent a used one not one that is new. You’d be saving money on a weekly basis because your business could lose money during that week.
Saving money at what time you visit the grocery store by going weekly instead of two or three times a week. Don’t go grocery shopping when you’re hungry because every thing will look good and you’ll end up buying things you don’t need.
Recycle your plastic grocery bags by using them to line your wastebasket. Why buy
Use liners each week for the wastebasket when you can use grocery bags that you got free when you did the shopping.
Watch the sales when shopping. Save on a weekly basis by stocking up on items that are needed when they are on sale this will save you weekly as well as monthly.
Driving into town once or twice, a week instead of three or four times will save you money. Making a list of things that need to be done; and do more than one thing while you’re in town. Go to the doctor, grocery store or pay bills all on the same day instead of making three trips you’re only making one. You’ll be saving money for gas, the wear on the car as well as time.
Laundry can be very expensive when making a trip to the laundry mat each week. Check out the used appliance stores in your area, buy a washer, and dry even if you have to pay $50.00 a month for 6 months. You’ll be saving by not spending $25.00 to $30.00 a week depending on the size of your family versus $50.00 a month. Having your own washer and dryer can save you gasoline, time, and money when you only have enough cloth to fill half a washer or dryer.
Saving money at home on a weekly basis at what time, you are doing the laundry by doing a full load at a time instead of one or two items. You’ll save here on laundry soap, fabric softener and energy doing a full load of cloths instead on a half a load.
Recycling your used fabric sheets after drying your cloths is a way to save money weekly. Put them into a baggie and use those to dust with saving you the expense of buy furniture polish every week or two. They can also be used to clean soap scum from the shower doors too.
If you have, access to a dishwasher saves by using it once a day or three times a week. Don’t run the dishwasher with just a few items make sure it is full. Dishwashers use less water too versus doing dishes by hand two or three times a day. Doing one full load once a day will save you on dish soap and water:
Save money on a weekly basis by drinking water instead of pop. Don’t buy your water get a water purifier to attach to the kitchen fasuet or a pitcher to run your drinking through. This will save you money not having to buy your water and is better for your health.
By: Martin Lukac
About the Author:
RateEmpire.com, http://www.RateEmpire.com an Internet consumer banking marketplace. RateEmpire.com is a destination site of personal finance, investing, taxes and mortgage rates. RateEmpire.com provides mortgage guides and financial rates and information. RateEmpire.com also operates a financial portal #1 American Home Loans, found at http://www.1ahl.com and http://www.1AmericanFinancial.com
Savings Accounts Australia
With interest rates set to increase in Australia there is no better time to open a high interest savings account. In the past year interest rates have been on the rise, nearly 2%. For those of us lucky enough to have some spare money each month it’s a good time to save. There are many other methods to invest your hard money including property and shares etc. but with the unpredictability of the world markets at the moment high interest savings account offer a safe and secure way save money.
It’s not hard to open a savings accounts but there are a few things everyone should be aware of before doing so. I have listed 5 points you should consider before opening an account.
1. Set some financial goals
It’s always important to setup some financial goals and think about what are the expectations you have. Once this has been done you can then have a clearer picture of what kind of savings account would suit your needs.
2. Research
Ask friends or family for recommendations. Failing this do some research yourself. Search on Google for terms such as ‘best savings accounts’, ‘high interest savings accounts’ or even ‘internet savings account’. There are even some useful comparison websites e.g. http://www.savings-accounts.com.au. Which offer a full list of saving account providers, latest deals, tools and information. Do you research now otherwise you might regret it in the long term.
3. Which Bank?
There are many decent providers in the Australian savings market including ING Direct, BankWest Telenet, HSBC and St.George. We recommend any of the above but make sure they meet the following criteria
4.Choosing an Account
Choose account with the following criteria:
* Highest variable interest
* 24/7 Online Access. This will save you time and normally results in savings on administration charges
* Make sure the type of account suits the way you like to bank? If you like to use a computer to bank then make sure you can have access 24/7. If you like chequing accounts make sure the account comes with this facility etc.
* Choose an account that does not have any fees when opening or transferring money
5. Safeguard your savings account
Be vigilant when agreeing to terms & conditions. Though you might think the T’s & C’s are pretty standard, most of them are not and taking time before signing the dotted line can save some unexpected issues later on. Check always before giving away your money.
By: john molly
About the Author:
John is a well known finance expert in Australia and owns many finance websites/blogs. In his spare time he enjoys writing articles. For more information visit: http://www.credit-card-offers.com.au or http://www.savings-accounts.com.au
Learn How Managing Health Savings Accounts Can Save You Money
Make Sure to Establish Your Health Savings Account
By switching from a conventional copay health insurance plan to a high-deductible health insurance plan (HDHP), most people are cutting their health insurance costs by about 40% or so. This is such a big savings, that many people neglect to take the next step and set up their HSA. But this is a financial mistake that is costing them money.
Unless you pay no income tax and have zero medical expenses (including dental, over-the-counter medications, or charges for alternative care like chiropractic or acupuncture), you will absolutely save money by establishing your HSA.
Run All Your Medical Expenses Through Your HSA
Not everyone feels like they have “extra” money that they afford to set aside in their HSA, despite the tax savings and other financial benefits. Even if that’s the case, you should still establish your HSA. Every time you incur a medical expense, deposit at least as much money as you spent on that medical expense. For instance, if you went to the dentist and it cost $85, put $85 in your HSA. If you like you can then take it right back out.
What this does is convert this medical expense into a tax-deductible expense. Then when you file your taxes next year, you can put the total amount that you ran through your Health Savings Account on line 25 of your 1040, and deduct it from the total income you report.
Cover Your Deductible
Your next step is to get enough money in your HSA to cover your deductible. For 2008, deductibles start at $1,100 and go up to $5,600 for individuals, and $2,200 to $11,200 for families. Annual contribution limits are $2900 for individuals, and $5800 for families. So it could take a few years to save enough money in your account to cover your deductible.
Once this money is in your HSA, you will have the confidence of knowing that you can cover most any medical expense that comes your way, particularly if you have a health insurance plan that pays 100% after your deductible.
As you continue to build money in your account, you may want to consider switching to a health insurance plan with an even higher deductible, which will further lower your premiums.
Minimize the Fees You Pay
If you will be using your HSA to pay medical expenses as you incur them, you should keep an eye on the fees your bank charges. Until you have enough money in your account to cover any fees with investment returns, you probably want to have your HSA with a bank that charges no fees. (Several are listed on the website referenced above).
If you plan to access money from your Health Savings Account to pay ongoing medical expenses, you may wish to keep a portion of your Health Savings Account money in a short-term CD or savings account. But to take maximum advantage of your Health Savings Account, you’ll want to eventually move some of the funds to investments that have a higher potential return.
Investment Options
No other investment has the triple tax-advantage that Health Savings Accounts offer. Not only is your deposit tax deductible, and your withdrawals to cover medical expenses tax-free, but your investment also grows tax-deferred.
Taking advantage of tax-deferred growth is one of the best ways to build long-term savings. Some banks will provide a short list of mutual funds you can invest in, while others provide access to an online discount brokerage such as Ameritrade where you can choose from stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and more.
The most aggressive strategy is to pay your medical expenses from somewhere other than your HSA, and save the receipt. You can then reimburse yourself at a later date. The additional growth you get from not paying any taxes on your investment may be enough to cover all your medical expenses.
By: Wiley Long
About the Author:
By Wiley Long – President, HSA for America ( http://www.health–savings–accounts.com ) – The nation’s leading independent agency specializing in individual and family health insurance coverage that works with Health Savings Accounts.
Painless Money Saving Techniques That Helps Us Grow our Money Tree
We told ourselves we would follow a budget, apply extra cash to debt or save it; and we didn’t do it or did not do it as often as we should have. What happened? Why did we fail to save money? For most the answer is we tricked ourselves into believing that since we had this small nest egg in savings that we no longer needed to focus on building out the “nest” and adding more nest eggs to our proverbial financial basket.
To help us do what we should be doing in the area of savings, an instant savings account may be a wise choice. Money is automatically deducted from our checking account and applied to our savings account on a particular day of each month and we do not even have to think about much less miss the money that is being transferred.
This is the “out of sight” method of savings as if it is out of sight, it is out of mind; we forget about it and let it grow. While it would be nice if we, as consumers, could keep our commitment to depositing a check consistently to our savings account but most of us can’t – we get sidetracked and fail to do what we said we would do and what we know we should do. Instant savings accounts removes that deposit responsibility by establishing the guidelines once and then just letting the automated process do the rest. With this process, we learn to live on less and in turn, save more.
If you are a person who would put of saving until the next paycheck or the next tax refund, an instant savings account is what you need to begin growing your own money tree that eventually you will be able to reap the financial benefits from and enjoy these benefits immensely. Talk to your local banker and see what they offer in this area of savings and whether this sort of savings account is right for you.
When it comes to understanding savings accounts and interest options a wise consumer will study, learn and plan so that they earn as much as they can with any savings account investment. In this information age, there is a lot of options for increasing your knowledge base. Check the links below for more information on Instant Savings Accountand other related information.
By: Charley Hwang
About the Author:
For more information on Instant Savings Account or visit http://www.easysavingsaccounts.com, a popular website that offers information on Savings Accounts.
