A health spending account (HSA) is a type of employer-funded benefit plan that allows employees to use allocated funds for eligible healthcare expenses. It is designed to provide flexibility and choice in healthcare spending, allowing employees to personalize their healthcare needs. Here's how a health spending account works:

1. Funding: Employers allocate a specified amount of money toward each employee's health spending account. The allocated funds can vary based on factors such as employee classification, job position, or years of service. These funds are typically provided on an annual basis and may roll over from year to year, depending on the plan design. Typically there are no up front expenses for the employer, the employer is only required to pay for employee claims when they are submitted by each of the employees.

2. Eligible Expenses: Health spending accounts cover a wide range of eligible healthcare expenses. These may include prescription medications, dental care, vision care, paramedical services (such as physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy), medical equipment, and other health-related products or services. The eligible expenses are typically defined by the plan and may be subject to certain limits or exclusions.

3. Flexibility: Unlike traditional insurance plans with predefined coverage and limits, health spending accounts offer flexibility and choice. Employees have the freedom to allocate the funds according to their individual healthcare needs. They can decide how much to spend on specific healthcare services, treatments, or products, based on their personal circumstances.

4. Tax Advantages: Health spending accounts provide tax advantages for both employers and employees. Employer contributions to health spending accounts are typically tax-deductible as a business expense. For employees, the funds allocated to the health spending account are not subject to income tax, as long as they are used for eligible healthcare expenses.

5. Employee Empowerment: Health spending accounts empower employees to make informed decisions about their healthcare. They can choose the healthcare services or products that best meet their needs, rather than being restricted to predetermined coverage. This promotes personal responsibility and engagement in healthcare decisions.

It's important to note that the specific details and rules of a health spending account can vary depending on the plan and employer. It's advisable to review the plan documents and guidelines provided by your employer to fully understand how the health spending account works and the specific eligible expenses covered.

Health spending accounts can be a valuable benefit option that provides employees with flexibility, choice, and tax advantages for their healthcare spending. Contact Aurora to determine if a health spending account is suitable for your specific situation.