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October 05, 2009
Can a Health Savings Account Help Your Business?
One option that can help small businesses struggling with healthcare is a Health Savings Account. Small businesses are constantly looking for ways maintain overhead while still providing quality employee benefits. Money placed in Health Savings Accounts are not subject to federal income tax when deposited. Health Savings Accounts are designed to allow taxpayers to set aside funds to cover the costs associated with medical care. Individuals can benefit from using a Health Savings Accounts as a way to cover their out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Benefits of Health Savings Accounts
Here are some of the ways that Health Savings Accounts save money for individuals and small business owners who participate:
* The tax break that covers the funds deposited in Health Savings Accounts is passed on to the individual account holder. The more money deposited in the account, the less federal income taxes the account holder will have to pay.
* Health Savings Accounts are coupled with an HSA insurance (also known as high-deductible health insurance) plan that is the responsibility of the individual. This means employers do not have to assume the costs associated with group health insurance plans.
* Health Savings Account funds can be rolled over into the next year. There are no restrictions or penalties for not using all of the funds in a calendar year.
* Health Savings Accounts accrue interest over time and roll over from year to year.
Health Savings Accounts are excellent alternatives for small business owners wishing to help employees stay healthy and manage the costs of healthcare. They feature less risk for the employee and more benefits for the individual. Implementing Health Savings Accounts in a small business is evidence of the employers concern for the welfare of employees, yet it is an affordable and manageable option at the same time.
Health Savings Accounts for Companies Large and Small
While Health Savings Accounts are great for individuals and small businesses, larger businesses are also turning to them as a means of covering employees that are not benefited by health insurance plans. Industry leaders like Walmart and UPS have developed Health Savings Account programs to extend a helping hand to some of their employees.
Overall, Health Savings Accounts are a unique alternative to expensive health insurance programs. They provide small businesses with the level of affordability and flexibility that is desperately needed in these tough economic times.
Posted by Wiley Long at October 5, 2009 03:58 PM
