Health Savings Account (HSA)

If you are enrolled in the high deductible health plan (HDHP) option, you can also enroll in a HSA. The HSA allows for both employer contributions and associate contributions that you can use for eligible medical, prescription drug, dental or vision expenses. The dollars in your HSA are never forfeited - they are still available to you following termination of employment.

You can change your contribution amount anytime throughout the year. Learn more.

HSA at a glance

Ascension contributions

If you are contributing at least $26 per year ($1 per paycheck) to your HSA, Ascension contributes up to $500 per year for individuals and up to $1,000 per year for families. To receive the full employer contribution, you must be enrolled in the HSA on January 1 and contribute each pay period. Here is how it works:

• Associates in pay band 1: 50% upfront contribution from Ascension in January; remainder split over next 25 pay periods.
• Associates in pay band 2: 25% upfront contribution from Ascension in January; remainder split over next 25 pay periods.
• All other medical plan pay bands: Contribution split evenly over 26 pay periods.

If you are hired at any point during the year or start your contributions during the year, Ascension’s contribution will be prorated based upon the remaining number of pay periods for that year.

Get the Most from Your HSA

When you enroll in an HDHP, healthcare bills can be a shock at first. You typically have lower premiums, but when you receive care, you pay 100% of the cost until you reach the deductible. HSAs help prepare your for "sticker shock" and effectively manage your costs throughout the year:

• Take the money you save in premiums and contribute it to your HSA so it's there to pay for care when you need it.
• Schedule preventive and routine exams, doctor visits, etc. for later in the year after you've built up your contributions.
• Consider setting up a payment plan for large, unexpected medical bills. Most providers will allow you to set up a payment plan, and you can schedule it to coincide with your HSA contribution deposits. You can also arrange for payments to be deducted directly from your HSA account.

There are a few participation restrictions for HSAs. If you are enrolled in Medicare, are covered by TriCare, are covered by another plan (which is not a HDHP) or you are claimed as a dependent on another person's coverage, you may not open a new HSA or contribute to an existing HSA. To make sure you are eligible, review the HSA eligibility requirements.

Eligible HSA Expenses

• Medical expenses for your deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and other portions of medical costs that insurance doesn't pay, such as fees over the fee schedule.
• Dental expenses not fully covered under the dental plan you selected, including the deductible, any copayments and orthodontia.
• Vision care, including copayments, co-insurance, any payments you made for eye exams, eyeglasses, contact lenses and laser eye surgery.
• Hearing care, such as hearing aids.
• Prescription drug charges not covered by the medical and dental plans (your copayments).
• Medically required supplies and equipment not covered by other medical or dental plans.

Click to file a claim for reimbursement: HSA Claim Instructions and Form.

To be eligible for reimbursement, medical expenses must qualify as deductions for federal income tax purposes; however, you are not allowed to claim a tax deduction for medical expenses that were reimbursed through the spending account. For more information, consult a tax professional or review the instructions for the appropriate entries on your tax filing.

Non-reimbursable expenses

• Over-the-counter dietary supplements.
• Over-the-counter toiletries, cosmetics or sundry items.
• Athletic club expenses and exercise equipment.
• Weight reduction.
• Expenses incurred by anyone other than you, your spouse and eligible dependents.

Expenses for services that are in conflict with our Values Covenant, unless medically necessary. Learn more.