HealthyHive Team
The Landscape Is Evolving
As we move through 2025 and look ahead to 2026, employers are continuing to refine their benefits strategies to stay competitive in a tight labor market. While increases in 401(k) matches have drawn attention, another important trend is emerging: more companies are ramping up their Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions.
HSAs are no longer just a healthcare perk, they’re a central tool for financial planning. This shift presents a powerful opportunity for corporate retirement plan consultants to lead. The key to success? Pairing rising employer contributions with targeted employee education. Now is the time to bridge the gap between benefit offerings and financial wellness. Here’s why that matters more than ever:
Better Benefits = Better Business
Investing in employee financial wellness isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s a smart business move. When employees feel financially secure, especially when it comes to managing healthcare expenses, companies see real returns in the form of:
- Higher engagement
- Lower absenteeism
- Increased productivity
In today’s competitive hiring environment, top talent is increasingly looking for smarter, more flexible benefits. A well-designed HSA strategy isn’t just a perk, it’s a strategic advantage. Strong benefits signal that your company is forward-thinking, people-first, and invested in employee well-being, which will attract and retain top performers.
An Unparalleled Tax Gift
Favoring higher HSA matches over 401(k) is a way to ensure more spending power, now or in the future. HSA contributions are not subject to FICA withholding (the federal Social Security and Medicare tax). This means that employees are already 7.65% ahead of the game with an HSA contribution compared to a 401(k). A 7.65% head start may not evoke fist pumps, but this advantage over time can be a cause to celebrate.
HSAs are also one of the only savings vehicles that yield a triple tax advantage. Contributions, growth, and withdrawals all avoid federal taxes provided the funds are spent on qualified healthcare expenditures. (Note: some states may tax investment income. HSA owners should consult their tax professionals.)
HSAs as Stealth Emergency Funds
Another Wall Street Journal podcast expands on the stealth emergency fund planning technique. Charles Forelle explains, “You can withdraw at any time from an HSA as long as you have medical expenses. The medical expenses don’t need to happen when you withdraw the money. If you are the organized sort and you save medical receipts, you can cash them out whenever you need money. All the money is tax-free”.
The emergency fund strategy is a subtle HSA feature, as owners that keep their medical-related receipts for cash-pay services can reimburse themselves in the future. Although this can seem like a lot of work and too confusing, several HSA providers offer a place to upload and store copies of your receipts. If your provider does not have this feature, make a folder on your computer and simply upload the receipt each time.
Currently, only the most savvy & affluent HSA users earmark a majority of contributions for investment while retaining receipts on qualified healthcare services. However, as more employers adopt price transparency tools to help employees avoid overpaying for care, this strategy is becoming more accessible than ever.
Education Is the Missing Link
While offering an HSA match is powerful, employees cannot make the most of the benefit if they do not understand how to use the account wisely. Consider this:
A single MRI or unexpected procedure can wipe out almost an entire year’s contributions if employees aren’t comparison shopping or budgeting for health costs. Without guidance, even generous HSA funding can get misused. That’s where HSA education programs come in.
At HealthyHive, we help employees understand and maximize their HSA benefits not just for today’s expenses, but for long-term financial wellness and retirement readiness. Our platform empowers users to:
- Understand how HSA contributions and withdrawals work
- Know the best ways to fund an HSA (and who can contribute)
- Learn cost-saving strategies using healthcare price transparency tools
- Grow savings over time by investing HSA funds strategically
When education is paired with increased employer contributions, the impact multiplies for both employees and organizations. We believe smarter healthcare decisions today can help more people retire with confidence tomorrow… and maybe even retire early.
Ready to Empower Your Workforce?
Want to learn more about launching an HSA education program for your team? Connect us with your retirement plan consultant or reach out to us directly at info@hiveaway.com.
Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice. HealthyHive does not provide personalized recommendations. Before making any decisions about Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or other financial matters, consult a licensed financial advisor or tax professional.
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