A proposed mechanism for helping an individual provide funds for health care. It would be a savings account set up for an individual under regulations and tax treatment similar to an individual retirement account (IRA). The cash in the account would be available to pay for deductibles, copayments, and services not provided by the holder’s insurance. The individual owning the MSA could keep any money not spent for health care. The theory is that this incentive would reduce unnecessary utilization. At present, employer contributions to MSAs are considered taxable income to the individual, while employer contnbutions for health insurance are not taxable income. Sometimes called a medical IRA.
A savings account in which deposits may accumulate tax-free and be used as self-financed health insurance to pay incurred or anticipated medical expenses. It is also called a “health-savings account.”