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Your On-Line Source for Canadian Health Spending Accounts
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FAQ

Aren’t my Medical Expenses tax-deductible now?

No. This is a common misconception. Medical and Health care expenses are never tax-deductible on personal taxes, but instead are eligible for a tax credit only. If your medical claims are less than 3% of your taxable income in a year, you get no credit whatsoever. Now you can choose […]

What is the advantage to opening a HSA?

Health care expenses for your family, and your dependents related by either blood or marriage, can be paid with your pre-tax income rather than only being able to use the money you have left after paying federal and provincial income taxes (which may range as high as 48%)

How do I submit receipts?

The plan Administrator requires all original receipts along with a completed claim form. When you are requesting reimbursement for health expenses previously submitted to an insurance plan, and are requesting reimbursement for the portion they did not cover, submit the original copy of their member statement to you (the statement […]

What Are Eligible HSA Expenses

For eligible HSA expenses, a service must be performed by a licensed medical practitioner, and items must be prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner & dispensed by a licensed medical practitioner or a pharmacist.

What is an eligible expense?

1 – Service must be performed by a licensed medical practitioner, 2 – Items must be prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner & dispensed by a licensed medical practitioner or a pharmacist. For a general list of practitioners, please see the CRA publication: “Authorized medical practitioners by province or territories […]

Is there a waiting period for when claims can be submitted?

No. As soon as your account application is accepted, you will receive a User Guide and Claims Package, you can then submit claims immediately.

What Happens to the money if I don’t use it that year?

All unused funds roll-over to the following year. • With an Health Welfare Trust (HWT) for a  Company that is Incorporated – Account funds will role over indefinitely. • As with a  Private Health Services Plan  (PHSP)  used by sole proprietors, self-employed,  contractors, consultants, tradesmen, professional corporation etc.  – Two year forfeiture […]

Can we contribute different amounts for different employees?

Contribution levels can be based upon employee classes. If the employer can clearly define classes for employees, different amounts can be offered. However, if you have two employees doing the exact same job (i.e. if you have two full-time receptionists) they must be given the same amount. For a  Private […]

I am an incorporated business owner and would like to have a HSA. Do I have to provide HSA’s to my full-time employees?

As long as you can prove that you are in a class of your own (i.e. executive), you do not need to offer the benefit to all employees.

I have expenses that were incurred before the start date. Can I submit those into my HSA?

Expenses incurred on or after the start date can be paid through the HSA. Claims incurred before the start date are not eligible.

What if my expenses exceed the amount in my HSA?

There are two possible options: 1 – Partial payment of the claim to the employee of what is in the account and reimburse the remaining amount when more funds become available. 2 – Hold onto the claims until the full amount is in the HSA, then reimburse in full. If […]

I am currently paying for a private Health & Drug Plan. Can I pay for this through my HSA?

Any premiums you pay for a health and drug plan are an eligible medical expense and can be paid for through your HSA. You would need to submit a statement showing the premiums paid to be reimbursed.

I am currently paying for a private Health & Drug Plan. Can I claim expenses that they will not reimburse for me?

As long as the expenses are legitimate claims under a Health and Spending Account (please see: What is an eligible expense?) expenses not covered by your Health & Drug plan can be reimbursed by your HSA. You would need to submit the explanation of benefits page to be reimbursed.

My Chiropractor (Physiotherapist, Osteopath, Optometrist, etc.) has recommended a supplement or product that he can also supply, but my normal health plan will not cover this cost. Can I claim this expense with my HSA?

Yes, as long as the product or supplement in question is prescribed by and dispensed by a licensed medical practitioner in your jurisdiction (see Authorized medical practitioners by province or territories for the purposes of claiming medical expenses ), these costs can be fully covered by your HSA.

My spouse has coverage however it only pays out 80%, can I submit the remaining 20% for reimbursement by my HSA?

Yes. An Explanation of Benefits statement from the insurance carrier is needed. This can be submitted like any other medical receipt with a completed claim form.

What if I terminate employment or what if I have an employee who quits?

Contributions made to the trust can never revert back to the employer. It can also never revert to the employee in cash form unless they submit an eligible medical expense. A terminated employee will still have access to the funds remaining in the HSA by submitting medical expenses to the […]

Employee HSA Contributions

Contribution levels can be based upon employee classes. If the employer can clearly define classes for employees, different amounts can be offered.

What are the costs associated with opening a HSA?

These can vary, but the plan administrator we recommend, unlike many, charges no set-up fee. There is a single one-time charge, as funds are deposited to your HSA, of 10% (plus applicable taxes which do vary by province). There are no on-going charges.

What happens to the funds in the account should I die?

Contributions remaining in the trust can only be released for eligible medical expenses. If there are dependents listed on the plan they still have access to the remaining funds. However, if there are no listed dependents, the funds stay in the HSA.

Who can be listed as an eligible dependent?

An eligible dependent is defined as a spouse or any member of the household with whom you are connected by blood relationship, marriage or adoption, and who is financially dependent upon you at some point in the year. In addition, this dependent must be a Canadian resident, having resided in […]

How does a Health Insurance Plan work with a HSA?

A basic drug and extended health coverage plan is a great compliment to your HSA. It can protect your HSA in case of catastrophic illness. Obviously, the best possible situation for a Canadian tax-payer is is to have comprehensive Health Insurance, with no deductible, and fully paid for by someone […]

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