Budget For Your Family’s Health

The way you managed your family’s healthcare budget has changed now that the Affordable Care Act is in action. It’s always a difficult task managing your family’s health, not to mention the cost that goes along with that. Maintaining your health savings account will help you to do just that.

Health savings accounts are funds set up by employers, but completely owned by you. You can deposit pre-tax money to pay for medical expenses that are considered qualified by the IRS. (See Publication 502 for specifics). The money is available as needed and is available on a HSA debit card or through reimbursements. You must have a High Deductible Health Plan and you cannot be covered by any other insurance plans to allow for contributions.

Your family benefits in multiple ways:

  • HSAs can be saved for future healthcare needs and if not used, can be passed on to heirs.

  • The unused money in the account earns tax-free interest.

  • Money deposited into your HSA reduces your taxable income.

HSAs give your family options when dealing with medical expenses. Lab tests are covered with HSAs and we accept HSA debit cards. Due to our upfront pricing, you can manage your lab testing budget easily. Visit www.anylabtestnow.com/aca to learn more.

Manage Your Health Savings Account (HSA)

Now that the Affordable Care Act has gone into effect, managing your health savings account (HSA) is important to pay attention to.

Healthcare.gov defines Health Savings Accounts as such: “A medical savings account available to taxpayers who are enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan. The funds contributed to the account aren’t subject to federal income tax at the time of deposit. Funds must be used to pay for qualified medical expenses. Unlike a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), funds roll over year to year if you don’t spend them.”

You are able to use your HSA for any family member listed as a dependent on your taxes. A “qualified medical expense” can mean various things. This includes medical and dental expenses which can consist of the costs of diagnoses (lab tests), cure, mitigation or reduction of pain and costs for treatments.

To learn more, the IRS Publication 502 explains in greater detail. These things can add up if not properly managed. Knowing costs upfront is vital to managing your healthcare budget along with your HSA. We help to fill one of those holes due to our wide selection of lab tests with upfront pricing. You know exactly how much your test is before you get it done. This saves you many headaches and helps you to manage your HSA in its entirety.

Visit www.anylabtestnow.com/aca to learn more.

Taxes & the Affordable Care Act

Tax season is underway; which means you should start thinking about the tax implications on health reform when it comes to the Affordable Care Act.

If you’ve purchased insurance through the health insurance marketplace, you may be eligible for a refundable tax credit. Fox 23 reports that when taxpayers were signing up, the option was available to estimate their 2014 income to see if it was possible to qualify for credit and have it applied in advanced to the cost of premiums. If this is the case for you and your family, it’s important to actively inform the particular exchange you purchased your insurance through of any changes in your situation throughout the year such as having a child or a salary increase.

Make sure you understand what this means for your taxes, especially if you haven’t enrolled in health insurance under the Affordable Care Act and are planning on it. Don’t forget that the deadline is March 31, 2014. Many people think the deadline has already passed, but there’s still plenty of time! Taxes are due just shortly after the 31st and it will be helpful to know exactly what to expect. To learn more about the Affordable Care Act visit our microsite at www.anylabtestnow.com/health-care-reform-and-you/.