Health Savings Accounts (HSA's) are an underappreciated vehicle

A health savings account (HSA) allows you to use tax-free money to pay for qualified medical expenses. The money you use to fund the account is not subject to federal income tax or state income tax in most states (California being one exception), and employer contributions are not taxable to the employee. Unlike a flex savings account (FSA), the money contributed to an HSA can be rolled over from year to year. There is no "use it or lose it" feature. In order to contribute to an HSA, you are required to be enrolled in a high deductible health plan (HDHP). You cannot contribute to an HSA if you are on Medicare Part A, but if you had an existing HSA account, you can use the funds to pay for qualified medical expenses while you are on Medicare. Considering Medicare doesn't pay for all medical expenses in retirement, and that this money is tax-free, there is a planning opportunity to over-fund an HSA with the understanding that you are letting the funds grow to be used tax-free in retirement.

For 2018, the max that can be contributed to an HSA is $3,450 for one person or $6,900 for a family.

Linda Rogers, CFP®, EA, MSBA is the owner and founder of Planning Within Reach, LLC (PWR). Originally from New Jersey, Linda services clients throughout San Diego county and nationwide. She leads the design of PWR's investment portfolios which utilize broad, low-cost investments that integrate environmentally, socially, and governance (ESG) factors.

Planning Within Reach, LLC (PWR) is a fee-only and fiduciary wealth management firm offering one-time comprehensive financial planning, ongoing impact-focused investment management and tax preparation services in San Diego and nationwide. PWR is a woman-owned firm that specializes in busy professionals and impact investors. Planning Within Reach, LLC and their advisors do not receive commissions and do not hold any insurance licenses or brokerage relationships.

Open Enrollment Season

October & November are open enrollment months for health benefits.  If you are employed at a company with benefits, this is the time to make any needed changes.  Typically, you cannot change your benefits during other months of the year unless you have a qualifying event such as a new baby or a change in marital status.  Review your most recent financial plan and see if there are any recommendations regarding your benefits.  You may need to obtain additional life insurance or start utilizing a flex spending account (FSA). If you have coverage or are looking for coverage through Covered California, this page has everything you need with regards to open enrollment (start date is November 1 for 2016).   Open enrollment for Medicare starts on October 15 for 2016 (here is more information).  Enrollment for Medi-Cal is year-round.

Linda Rogers, CFP®, EA, MSBA is the owner and founder of Planning Within Reach, LLC (PWR). Originally from New Jersey, Linda services clients throughout San Diego county and nationwide. She leads the design of PWR's investment portfolios which utilize broad, low-cost investments that integrate environmentally, socially, and governance (ESG) factors.

Planning Within Reach, LLC (PWR) is a fee-only and fiduciary wealth management firm offering one-time comprehensive financial planning, ongoing impact-focused investment management and tax preparation services in San Diego and nationwide. PWR is a woman-owned firm that specializes in busy professionals and impact investors. Planning Within Reach, LLC and their advisors do not receive commissions and do not hold any insurance licenses or brokerage relationships.