Kentucky Health Savings Account and Health Insurance Policy Information

Are dental and vision care qualified medical expenses under a health savings account?

Yes, as long as these are deductible under the current rules. For example, cosmetic procedures, like cosmetic dentistry, are generally not deductible and would not be considered qualified medical expenses.

What preventive health care expenses are covered by health savings account policies?

Covered preventive care includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Periodic health evaluations, including tests and diagnostic procedures ordered in connection with routine examinations, such as annual physicals
• Routine prenatal and well-child care
• Child and adult immunizations
• Tobacco cessation and obesity weight-loss programs
• Screening services including mammograms, Pap smears, ultrasonography in pregnancy, and newborn hearing screening

Can anyone make catch-up contributions to a health savings account?

Individuals 55 and older who are covered by a high deductible health plan can make extra catch-up contributions. They may make contributions anticipating medical expenses that will not be covered under Medicare -- such as a portion of prescription drug costs or Medicare Part A & B premiums. For individuals age 55 and older, additional "catch-up" contributions to health savings accounts are allowed as follows:

Contributions must stop once an individual is eligible for Medicare. If both spouses are eligible individuals, both may make catch-up contributions.

Do you have questions about health savings accounts?

For questions involving individuals, call 800-829-1040. For questions involving businesses, call 800-829-4933. For more information about health-savings accounts, visit the U.S. Treasury's Web site at http://www.treas.gov/offices/public-affairs/hsa/.