The IRS recently announced the health savings account rules and requirements for 2014. The HSA contribution limits and out-of-pocket maximums have been increased.
2014 HSA Contribution Limits
For calendar year 2014, the annual HSA contribution limits are:
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Individuals (self-only coverage) - $3,300 (up $50 from 2013)
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Family coverage - $6,550 (up $100 from 2013)
HDHP minimum required deductibles
The High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) required deductibles for an HSA did not change from 2013 to 2014:
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$1,250 for self-only coverage
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$2,500 for family coverage
Out-of-pocket maximum
The annual out-of-pocket expenses include deductibles, co-payments, and other amounts, but not premiums. The 2014 out-of-pocket maximums are:
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$6,350 for self-only coverage (up $100 from 2013)
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$12,700 for family coverage (up $200 from 2013)
If you use an HSA to pay for unqualified medical expenses, the tax penalty is 20 percent of the HSA distribution.
Background on Health Savings Accounts
A Health Savings Account, or HSA, is a financial account established by an individual or family to pay for qualified medical expenses.
U.S. federal regulations require citizens to have a minimum deductible on their health insurance from all sources in order to make tax-deductible contributions to their Health Savings Accounts (HSA).
HSAs combine the benefits of both traditional and Roth 401(k)s and IRAs for medical expenses. Taxpayers receive a 100% income tax deduction on annual contributions, they may withdraw HSA funds tax-free to reimburse themselves for qualified medical expenses, and they may defer taking such reimbursements indefinitely without penalties.
HSAs are unique—“IRAs on Steroids”—with triple tax advantages:
- Tax-deductible contributions,
- Tax-free accumulation of interest and dividends tax-free, and
- Tax-free distributions for qualified medical expenses.
The 2014 HSA rules and regulations were released in IRS Revenue Procedure 2013-25.
Related Resources on Health Savings Accounts
- Health Savings Account - HSA 2016 Rules & Requirements
- Health Savings Account - HSA 2015 Rules & Requirements
