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Checking and savings —

Health Savings Account

A health savings account (HSA) can help you stay on top of health care costs while growing your savings.

Grow your health savings

Notes and Fees

* APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Rates, terms, and fees are subject to change. APY is accurate as of or the last dividend declaration date.

Dividends on Health Savings Accounts are calculated using the daily balance method. Dividends will be credited to the member’s account every month. If you close your account before dividends are paid, you will not receive the accrued dividends. The minimum balance requirement to open an account is $100.00. No transaction limitations apply. Fees could reduce earnings on the accounts.

You can use your HSA to write checks, use your HSA debit card, or make a cash withdrawal to cover qualified medical expenses. You can also view and complete transactions on your HSA in Gesa’s Online or Mobile Banking, including contribution/distribution transfers and bill pay transactions.

†HSAs have some unique complexities – please consult with your accountant and/or tax advisor before setting up your HSA. GESA does not provide tax advice.

Health Savings Account

APY*

On account balances $0-$24,999.99

APY*

On account balances $25,000 and over

Benefits of an HSA

Pays for a variety of health expenses

A Health Savings Account pays for a variety of health expenses for not only you, but also your spouse and your dependents.

Pays or reimburses for medical expenses

Health Savings Accounts also pay or reimburse you for qualified medical expenses from health insurance deductibles, co-payments, some over-the-counter medications, and out-of-pocket expenses.

Use HSA Funds for non-medical

You can use your funds for non-medical expenses as well, however the funds will be subject to income tax and a 20% IRS penalty (does not apply after age 65)

  • Pays for a variety of health expenses

    A Health Savings Account pays for a variety of health expenses for not only you, but also your spouse and your dependents.

  • Pays or reimburses for medical expenses

    Health Savings Accounts also pay or reimburse you for qualified medical expenses from health insurance deductibles, co-payments, some over-the-counter medications, and out-of-pocket expenses.

  • Use HSA Funds for non-medical

    You can use your funds for non-medical expenses as well, however the funds will be subject to income tax and a 20% IRS penalty (does not apply after age 65)

Common Questions

An HSA account is a tax-advantaged* savings account that you can use to pay for a wide variety of health expenses. It’s a great way to save for both day-to-day and future medical costs.

*Please consult with your tax advisor.

A health savings account can help you stay on top of health care costs while providing you tax-free savings.*

Pay lower premiums with a higher deductible health plan

  • Pay higher deductibles (when you have medical expenses)
  • Make tax-deductible HSA contributions
  • Pay for qualified medical expenses with tax-free HSA withdrawals

*Please consult with your tax advisor.

Individuals/Families covered by a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), are not currently enrolled in Medicare, and are not eligible to be claimed as a dependent.

HSA funds must be used for a qualified medical expense. Some of those expenses include:

  • Doctor’s office visits
  • Prescriptions
  • Vision expenses
  • Dental expenses
  • Long-term care insurance

For a complete listing and explanation of qualified medical expenses, visit www.irs.gov and search for Publication 502.

Yes, but the funds will be subject to income tax and a 20% IRS penalty (penalty does not apply after age 65).

You can make contributions to your HSA through direct deposit, mobile deposit, ATM deposit, payroll deductions, at any Gesa Branch, or by calling 888.946.4372.

The IRS says “any eligible individual can contribute to an HSA. For an employee’s HSA, the employee, the employee’s employer, or both may contribute to the employee’s HSA in the same year. For an HSA established by a self-employed (or unemployed) individual, the individual can contribute. Family members or any other person may also make contributions on behalf of the eligible individual.”

Please keep in mind:

  • The total amount for the year from all sources cannot exceed the HSA owner’s limit.
  • For HSAs at Gesa, please remember to use the HSA account number, never the plan number, for contributions.

The funds in your HSA are linked to your HSA checking account. When you write checks or use your HSA debit card, funds will be automatically withdrawn from the account. Your HSA will be available for viewing and transactions through Gesa’s Online or Mobile Banking, including contribution/distribution transfers and bill pay transactions. You can also access funds from your HSA by visiting any Gesa Branch or calling 888.946.4372. Your HSA balance and transaction history will be provided to you on your regular combined statement.

Please work with your tax advisor on any tax-related questions in regards to this account, including contributions and withdrawals.

The IRS document “Publication 969, Health Savings Accounts and other Tax-Favored Health Plans” (www.irs.gov) is a complete overview of HSAs.

Your employer will be able to answer some of your questions regarding your specific coverage and eligibility.

Still have questions?

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Getting started is easy!

Applying should only take a few minutes. Please have these documents ready:

Call (888) 946-4372 or apply at a branch

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Use your online banking log-in to pre-fill your application with saved information.

Notes & Fees Glossary

 Disclaimer
*APY* APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Rates, terms, and fees are subject to change. APY is accurate as of the first day of the month – the last dividend declaration date.
SmartPlus Checking*To earn the higher rate, you must:
  1. Enroll in eStatements
  2. Make a monthly direct deposit of over $200
  3. Complete 15 debit card transactions
  4. Provide and maintain a valid email address
  5. Limit one account per member
For any month where the account does not meet the qualification requirements, the account will earn a lower rate. Minimum balance of $5 needed to open.Qualifying account balances meet minimum requirements. APY subject to change monthly. Rate may change after the account is opened. The qualifying period begins with the first day of the calendar month and ends on the last day of the calendar month at 6:00 P.M. Pacific Time. No monthly fees and no minimum balance required to maintain account. Minimum opening deposit of $5. Fees could reduce earnings. Limit of one specialty checking account (Smart Plus Checking) per member.

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