Aeowyn
Recycles dryer sheets
I'm getting ready to FIRE in a few weeks and trying to decide on health insurance. I currently carry health insurance through my employer and cover my husband with it. I'm also in the VA system (10% service connected disability). I generally use the VA for routine things and get my prescription associated with my 10% disability through them. When I have need for a specialist however, I usually go outside the VA system.
I'm currently happy with the VA system in Indiana where I have 2 close VA clinics and a full service hospital ~1 hour away that I could go to. We're moving to Tennessee and I've just transferred to the Tennessee system. The closest clinic is about 45 minutes from where we live, but I understand there is a long waiting list to get in. That probably means traveling 2-3 hours to use VA services. I don't mind traveling once a year to do this to keep me eligible for the VA, but I'd like to have other options.
I'm leaning toward getting a high deductible insurance ($10K family deductible) for my husband and myself. I'd also plan to have an HSA to go along with it.
I'm also retired Reserve (under 60) and could get a full service type health insurance through that, but the cost is over $1,000/month compared to ~$200/month for the HSA/high deductible plan (I'd basically pay my $10K deductible in the premium difference).
I have two questions.
1. As I understand it, if I use VA services I'm not able to contribute to an HSA for 3 months. If I continue to receive my prescription associated with my disability through the VA, does that make me ineligible for the entire year?
2. My husband is not in the VA system so he can contribute to an HSA. If we have a family plan, can he contribute the full maximum family contribution limit for the year to the HSA even if I am the only person on the family plan with him and I am not eligible to contribute myself?
If there happens to be anyone out there with this somewhat unique situation, I'd appreciate your experience.
I'm currently happy with the VA system in Indiana where I have 2 close VA clinics and a full service hospital ~1 hour away that I could go to. We're moving to Tennessee and I've just transferred to the Tennessee system. The closest clinic is about 45 minutes from where we live, but I understand there is a long waiting list to get in. That probably means traveling 2-3 hours to use VA services. I don't mind traveling once a year to do this to keep me eligible for the VA, but I'd like to have other options.
I'm leaning toward getting a high deductible insurance ($10K family deductible) for my husband and myself. I'd also plan to have an HSA to go along with it.
I'm also retired Reserve (under 60) and could get a full service type health insurance through that, but the cost is over $1,000/month compared to ~$200/month for the HSA/high deductible plan (I'd basically pay my $10K deductible in the premium difference).
I have two questions.
1. As I understand it, if I use VA services I'm not able to contribute to an HSA for 3 months. If I continue to receive my prescription associated with my disability through the VA, does that make me ineligible for the entire year?
2. My husband is not in the VA system so he can contribute to an HSA. If we have a family plan, can he contribute the full maximum family contribution limit for the year to the HSA even if I am the only person on the family plan with him and I am not eligible to contribute myself?
If there happens to be anyone out there with this somewhat unique situation, I'd appreciate your experience.
