Biz: A Medical Savings Account for the Self Employed?

by Benita Tyler, Business Accountant & Tax Planner www.tbsusa.com

Q. I run my own company and plan to hire two employees this year. I'm researching medical savings account and wondered if there is any tax advantages for me as a self-employed business owner?

A. From the standpoint of tax planning, two Medical Savings Account (MSA) that you should consider are the Archer MSA and the Medicare Advantage MSA. Both plans operate like an IRA to lower your taxable income and income tax with tax free savings contributions. However, unlike IRA's where there may be a penalty for early withdrawal, an MSA provides you with access to tax-free withdrawals without penalty as long as they are used to pay for health care costs. 

Some points to note for each account are: 

• The Archer MSA is restricted to self-employed and/or the employees of small businesses 
• The Medicare Advantage requires you to be enrolled in Medicare in order to qualify. 

In addition to the tax advantages there is also the benefit of paying lower health care premiums. The offset to lower premiums, however, is higher deductibles which is something to factor in as you decide which health coverage is right for you. 

Note: Ms. Tyler is not compensated for suggesting these plans and is not responsible whether or not it works for you. She's simply giving alternatives for you to research and make a decision that suits your needs... Okay? Good! Thanks for reading!

Benita Tyler, the Financial Messenger and President of TBS USA,  started as a business support company in 1999.  In 2000, Benita began advising business owners on income taxes and helping them customize financial systems to increase profits and savings.  In 2003, Benita pioneered the “Wealthy Place Appraisal” a proprietary 7-step process that she uses to help business owners determine which decisions are moving them closer to wealth goals and which are causing them to lose ground. 

Get your appraisal and more at tbsusa.com! 

No Health Insurance? Here's Help.

Many of you may not know - but my other life is that of Healthcare Finance. With so many people  losing healthcare coverage, having major health issues or the self-employed who aren't sure where to turn - I thought this a timely topic.  I've answered some of your questions and provided some resources below.

I don’t have insurance or a lot of money,  can I go a doctor?

Call ahead and ask for the cost of the office visit or procedure. Dr.’s offices/hospitals have uninsured or self pay discounts of up to 20 – 40%.     Don’t stop at the front desk, chat it up with your physician during your visit – let them know you don’t have insurance and would like a discount.

I have a new job but benefits aren't offered, what are my options?

Look for affordable healthcare options for your family à compare health plans here   http://www.ehealthinsurance.com/low-cost-health-insurance  or http://www.healthinsurance.org/  or

http://www.healthcare.gov.

You can also go to individual insurer websites Hap, Aetna, BCBS etc.  - you might be surprised at how affordable it might be for you. My personal opinion – look for plans within your State – makes handling disputes/concerns simpler. Also, don’t just sign up online – develop a relationship with a representative, meet in person. 

What about entrepreneurs who don’t have the advantage of a spouses employer insurance plan?

Check out http://www.freelancersunion.org/insurance/explore. If you have employees check with your state’s local chamber of commerce, they often have plans available to entrepreneurs. Also - use the links above to find affordable health insurance for your family. Don't skip out on health insurance - work it into your budget. 

What about dental, vision and prescriptions?

If you have major medical conditions your prescriptions can be a hefty bill – always ask for generics, tell your Dr. to prescribe most economical, but effective prescription. Dental and vision visits are often inexpensive unless you are having major work done. Even so,  plans are not as pricey as health insurance.

Any other suggestions for people with no health insurance?

• Create healthier eating and lifestyle habits.
• Exercise… walk 30 minute away from your home and 30 minutes back = simple steps.
• Negotiate prices prior to receiving services - not just for office visits, but surgeries and other major services as well. Everything is negotiable.

Check Out: 

1. Healthcare Advocacy
2. Patient Advocate Foundation
3. Patient Services Incorporated
4. Empowered Patient Coalition.org

Also here's a list I found online of Healthcare Advocacy groups that help with prescription drugs & other medical care: 

• HealthWell Foundation
• FamilyWize.org - discount drug card
• Needy Meds.org
• Rx Assist.org
• Rx Hope: https://www.rxhope.com/
• American Diabetes Assn: http://www.diabetes.org (great site!)
• Chronic Disease Fund - http://www.cdfund.org/
• Partnership for Prescription Assistance
• Heart Disease: Heart Support of America
• Kidney Disease: American Kidney Fund
• http://www.accessproject.org/medical.html
• Vision Care: EyeCare America and Vision USA

What resources have you found helpful in the search for affordable healthcare?

- Your Financial Coach, 

Dorethia Conner

www.connercoaching.com

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