Get your questions answered below by reviewing some common questions employees have about the HSA.
Watch a video to discover how the triple-tax advantage in the HSA helps you save your money and keep it out of the tax man’s hands!
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Your health care dollars can be tax free. You don’t have to pay taxes on the money you use to pay your share of health care expenses (deductibles, copays and coinsurance). Because the IRS allows you to set aside before-tax dollars for this purpose, Hess contributes to your HSA and you can, too.
How the HSA Works
Who can participate?
You, but only if you enroll in the Hess Medical Plan.
Who can contribute?
You and Hess.
Who can participate?
You, but only if you enroll in the Hess Medical Plan.
How much does Hess contribute?
Hess contributes $500 for employee only coverage or $1,000 if you have employee + one or employee + family coverage to your HSA in January. Hess also contributes another $500 for employee only coverage or $1,000 if you have employee + one or employee + family coverage, if you earn the necessary POWER UP wellness points within a program year. The wellness contribution will also be funded in your HSA in January.
How much can I contribute?
- Up to $4,150 if you have employee only coverage.
- Up to $8,300 if you have employee + one or employee + family coverage.
- Employees age 55 or older may contribute an additional $1,000.
The above amounts may be reduced if you earn the additional company HSA contribution for achieving the necessary POWER UP wellness points.
Can I change my contributions?
You can change (increase, decrease, start or stop) your HSA contributions anytime.
Do I need to open an account?
Yes. Unless you already have an open HSA, you will need to log onto the Hess Benefits Center at Fidelity or netbenefits.com to open your account.
What can I use the money for?
Eligible health care expenses, including office visits, prescription drugs, dental and vision, for yourself and your tax dependents. You can also use the money on non-medical expenses, but this money will be subject to income tax and a penalty, depending on your age.
How do I use the money?
You can make payments directly to providers using your HSA debit card or the online payment feature, or you can request an HSA checkbook.
When can I use the money?
You can use funds that are currently in your account. If you don’t have enough money in your account, you can pay expenses with other money, then reimburse yourself later with money from the HSA.
Can I lose the money?
No. The money in your HSA will roll over from year to year and is yours to keep.
Can I use HSA money next year if I waive coverage?
Yes. You can continue to use the HSA money for eligible health care expenses. However, you cannot contribute to the HSA when you are no longer covered by a high deductible plan.
Can I take my money with me if I leave Hess?
Yes. Your HSA belongs to you, and you may leave it with Fidelity.
How do I designate a beneficiary?
You must designate a beneficiary for your HSA to ensure that, in the event of your death, the benefits are distributed according to your wishes. To designate or change beneficiaries for your HSA, visit the Hess Benefits Center at Empyrean. Click My Benefits Profile, then the Beneficiaries tab.
REMEMBER
You must re-enroll in order to make HSA contributions every year. Your current election won’t roll over to next year. However, you can change (increase, decrease, start or stop) your HSA contributions at any time during the year.
Tax Advantages
- Before-Tax* Contributions. Your contributions to the account are made on a before-tax basis. Contributions can be made up to the IRS limit, which the government sets once a year. The IRS limits for 2024 are:
- Employee Only — $4,150
- Employee + One or Employee + Family — $8,300
- Age 55 or Older — $1,000 more
- Tax-Free** Earnings. All earnings on the money in your account grow tax free.
- Tax-Free** Withdrawals. When you use the money to pay for qualified health care expenses, the withdrawals are tax free.
*Before-tax for federal purposes. State tax treatment may vary.
**Tax-free for federal purposes. State tax treatment may vary.
BUILD UP YOUR HSA NEST EGG
Depending on how you use it, your HSA can be a valuable addition to your retirement savings portfolio. If you save (rather than spend) your HSA dollars, you can build up your HSA balance for future use. You can even invest your HSA dollars and watch your account grow tax free with investment earnings.
COVID-19 and the Health Savings Account (HSA)
Paying for Over-the-Counter Drugs and Feminine Hygiene Products
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allows you to use before-tax accounts to pay for OTC drugs without a prescription.
The CARES Act also recognizes feminine hygiene products as eligible for reimbursement from your before-tax accounts, but masks, surgical gloves and hand sanitizers generally are not.
Contacts
Fidelity
Get information about my HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (HSA)
View my HSA balance
Request reimbursement or pay my provider
Invest my HSA money
Empyrean
Manage my MEDICAL, DENTAL, LIFE INSURANCE, DISABILITY INSURANCE & HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (HSA) benefits
Make changes to my benefits
Get my benefits questions answered