WIMCIP Articles ? Will California Health Insurance Costs Decrease ...

Insurance premiums have been on the rise for decades. The Commonwealth Fund report noted that California health insurance premiums have increased much more than income has grown. Are more rate increases coming this year? One of the ways that businesses have been helping employees with the rising cost involves Health Reimbursement Arrangements.

Health Reimbursement Arrangements Offer Significant Savings To Consumers

Have you heard of Health Reimbursement Arrangements or HRAs? Under Section 105 of the U.S. Tax Code, you can find guidelines on how HRAs can offer you significant savings.

Health Reimbursement Arrangements may not be that popular, but they permit business owners to reimburse their employees for health insurance premiums and other health care costs. Even small businesses are enrolling in HRAs to minimize their out-of-pocket expenses for health care. The deadline to get this in place for 2012 expenses is December 31, 2011. Reimbursements can include dental expenses, vision, prescription drugs and other medical care costs throughout the coming year. You need to take note though; you can?t be reimbursed twice for the same expense.

Your employer would be the one who will determine the maximum annual reimbursement amount for each employee. Employers may even choose to return unused amounts at year end or elect to roll them over and make them available to employees in the following year. If the employee is retiring, the remaining balance can be used to pay for the retiree?s medical expenses. Employers can also decide whether or not they will continue to reimburse a former employee for medical expenses after termination if the employer sets up the HRA to do so.

Are Health Reimbursement Arrangements Allowed To Work With Health Savings Accounts and California Health Insurance?

You can use an HSA with an HRA as long as the HRA does not reimburse health care expenses that would otherwise go toward the deductible of the HSA-qualified health insurance.

You have to remember that HRAs are not subject to HSA rules thus allowing greater flexibility in the plan design of the high deductible California health insurance plan.

Combining An HSA And HRA Can Lead To Numerous Benefits For Both Employers And Employees

Employers and employees can enjoy numerous advantages if they combine Health Reimbursement Arrangements and Health Savings Accounts. When you have an HSA California health insurance plan with a HRA, you can get additional savings. Those who are qualified to set up an HRA can have their employers make their HSA contributions. With an annual contribution for a family HSA of $6,150, in a 28-percent tax bracket, that contribution results in a savings of $2,029.50. Having your employer make that contribution can add $818 to your savings.

Employers can also decrease their health care expenses because the reimbursement they make for medical care expenses are deducted from their annual income tax. When employees pair their individual California health insurance plans that are qualified to set up with an HSA, the result is lower premiums compared to group coverage.

By Wiley Long ? President, eCAHealthinsurance.com ? California Health Insurance?Made Easy ? Get professional California Health Insurance advisors to help you choose the best California Health Insurance plan for your needs. ?Instant online quotes on California Health Insurance plans. ?Compare plans, apply online, and Save!

Loading...

Related Posts

Source: http://articles.whatismycomputerip.com/112539/will-california-health-insurance-costs-decrease-with-health-reimbursement-arrangements.html

cyber monday deals 2011 real housewives of atlanta bernie fine bernie fine matt leinart cyber monday 2011 cyber monday 2011