TAX ADVANTAGES & COST CONTROL
TWO VEHICLES WILL DRIVE BENEFIT COST REDUCTION FOR EMPLOYERS
Both Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are tax-advantaged tools that help individuals pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses for themselves and their families through set-aside funds. However, there are some key differences.
It is highly recommended that employer groups under 50 consider the HRA as a cost containment strategy, with HSA as an added tax bonus incentive.
What HRAs and HSAs have in common
The main thing these tools have in common is their tax-friendly design. It's why we love them!
HSAs have three tax advantages:
- contributions made by employers are pre-tax, contributions made by the employee are tax-deductible.
- you don't pay tax on account growth
- withdrawals from the account (to pay for eligible expenses) are not taxed
Real world example: Since HSA contributions don’t count toward your tax burden, you will be taxed as though you make less money. So, for example, if you make $40,000 per year and you contribute $3,000 into your HSA, you will be taxed as though you make $37,000, thus lowering your tax burden.
As the cost of medical care in the United States grows, so does the value of tax-free money to employees. Unfortunately, the federal government puts limits on two of its most popular tax-free vehicles—in 2019, the HSA has limits of $3,500 and $7,000 for single employees and employees with families, respectively, and the QSEHRA has limits of $5,150 and $10,450.
Status
Optional, but highly
recommended*
Source
The CARES Act
Effective timeline
Permanent
*Offering both an HSA and a QSEHRA is a great way to maximize tax-free compensation to employees. It also ensures that money goes toward one of employees’ heaviest financial burdens.