An HSA is basically your “healthcare spending and savings” account but with some pretty great tax perks. If you choose the UHC Silver Choice Plus with HSA, you can put money into the HSA from your paycheck before taxes, use it for eligible healthcare expenses, and keep whatever you don’t spend for later (yep, it rolls over).
Why people love HSAs
- The triple-tax thing is real: Contributions can go in tax-free, your balance can grow tax-free, and when you use it for eligible expenses, that’s also tax-free. It’s a rare triple win.
- No “use-it-or-lose-it” stress: Whatever you don’t spend stays in your account and rolls over year after year.
- It’s your account: Your HSA is yours to keep—even if you leave Pandora.
- Use it your way: Spend it now, save it for later, or mix and match depending on the year you’re having.
Can I get one?
You can contribute to an HSA if you’re enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP).
You can’t contribute if any of these apply:
- You’re claimed as a dependent on someone else’s taxes.
- You’re covered by another plan that conflicts with an HDHP (like Medicare, a medical FSA, or certain HRAs).
- You or your spouse contribute to a medical FSA.
How much can I save?
In 2026 the IRS lets you contribute up to the following amounts (this includes both your contributions and any money your employer puts in):
- If you have employee-only coverage: $4,400
- If you have family coverage: $8,750
- If you’re 55 or older, you can add an extra $1,000 catch-up contribution (so $5,400 for employee-only or $9,750 for family)
How you can use it
You have a few easy ways to pay for eligible expenses:
- Pay at checkout with your Wex HSA debit card.
- Reimburse yourself for eligible expenses you paid out of pocket by submitting your receipt through your online account.
- Track your account online or in the mobile app (balance, contributions, expenses, and investments).
- Note: Wex provides only one card, so if you enroll in Commuter benefits or the Dependent Care FSA and the HSA, you’ll receive only one card from Wex.
Quick receipt reminder: You usually won’t be asked to prove purchases in the moment but hang on to receipts just in case you ever need them for taxes.
What can I use it for?
There are lots of eligible items. Here are a few common ones:
- Copays and coinsurance
- Doctor visits and surgeries
- Prescription drugs
- Over-the-counter medications (first aid, allergy, asthma, cold/flu, heartburn, and more)
- Dental and orthodontia
- Vision expenses like frames, contacts, and prescription sunglasses
- Birthing and Lamaze classes
Not sure if something counts? You can look it up on the searchable eligible expenses list.
Make your HSA do more than just sit there
If you can swing it, an HSA can be a solid long-term savings tool. You can keep money in cash or invest it and let it grow over time.
- Investment options: You can leave funds in an interest-bearing account or choose from a standard mutual fund lineup. Want more flexibility? You may also be able to use a Health Savings Brokerage Account powered by Charles Schwab (thousands of mutual funds, plus stocks and bonds).
- Catch-up contributions: If you’re 55+, you can contribute an extra $1,000 over the IRS annual limit.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the money actually mine? Yep. Your HSA is yours (including employer contributions), even if you leave Pandora.
- Can I use it for non-health stuff? Once you turn 65, you can take money out without a penalty and use it for anything (non-medical withdrawals may be taxable).
- Do I lose what I don’t spend? Nope. Whatever’s left rolls over year after year.
