HSA Bank Survey Finds That Consumers Remain Unprepared for Healthcare Expenses in Retirement

MILWAUKEE, Nov. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- HSA Bank, a division of Webster Bank, N.A., released a report today that addresses how consumers are saving for healthcare expenses in retirement. According to the report, consumers underestimate how much money they will need for healthcare expenses in retirement. In fact, two-thirds (67 percent) of consumers believe they will need less than $100,000. In addition to not being prepared financially to pay for healthcare expenses in retirement, consumers also remain unclear about the benefits of health savings accounts for their future retirement plan.

Although there are many benefits of an HSA, there is still low utilization of this option. HSA Bank's survey revealed that only 29 percent of consumers plan on using an HSA to pay for healthcare expenses in retirement and the reason for such low use is that 42 percent of consumers don't know they can invest HSA funds.

"Today's consumer still requires guidance when it comes to their approach to their health and financial wellness," said Chad Wilkins, president of HSA Bank. "Many consumers don't understand the benefits of an HSA and how this triple tax-advantaged account can help prepare them for the significant expenses they will incur during their retirement years."

While some consumers simply don't have an HSA, many consumers aren't using them to save for healthcare expenses in retirement because they just don't understand how they work. This offers an opportunity for financial advisors and employers to further educate consumers on the primary benefits of an HSA, including: tax benefits, investment opportunity, qualifying expenses and fund rollover.

To learn more about how consumers are preparing for retirement, download the report.

About HSA Bank:
HSA Bank is a trusted leader in consumer-directed healthcare (CDH), focusing on Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for over two decades and serving as both the bank and administrator. Discover how we can support your benefits strategy with our comprehensive account-based health benefit solutions that include HSAs, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs), and Commuter Benefits. With a reputation for outstanding service and thought leadership in the CDH space, we offer one platform and one portal for all of our members. HSA Bank inspires 2.7 million members and more than 35,000 employer groups to own "your" health by making it easy to access, understand, and afford healthcare. As of September 30, 2018, HSA Bank has $7.2 billion in total footings comprising $5.6 billion in deposit balances and $1.6 billion in assets under administration through linked investment accounts, and is a division of Webster Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.

SOURCE HSA Bank