Savings & Spending Accounts Overview*

You can save money on eligible health care and/or dependent care expenses by paying for them with tax-advantaged accounts.

Avista’s tax-advantaged accounts are administered by Rehn & Associates.

Avista offers you the following accounts and encourages you to take full advantage of their money-saving potential.
Note: You must enroll in these accounts each Open Enrollment if you want to contribute the next year, even if you already participate.

Health Savings Account (HSA)

A tax-free savings account that you own. You can use it to pay for eligible health expenses anytime, even in retirement. Available only to employees who enroll in the Premera Blue Cross High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).

Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

You can use pre-tax payroll deductions to help cover eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses. Available to employees who enroll in the Premera Blue Cross PPO or do not elect medical coverage through Avista.

Dependent Care
FSA

Contributions are made through pre-tax payroll deductions to help cover your eligible dependent care expenses.

Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)

Use the money in your HRA to help cover health care costs; available to employees who complete the Healthy Directions Initiative program

*Temporary employees are not eligible for this benefit.

Compare the Accounts

HSA Health Care FSA Dependent Care FSA HRA

Available with …

 Premera Blue Cross HDHP Premera Blue Cross PPO
(Also available if you waive medical coverage) 		Your employment at Avista Premera Blue Cross PPO

Receive company contribution

Yes No No Yes, when you complete the Healthy Directions Initiative program

Change your contribution amount anytime

 Yes No No No

Access your entire annual contribution amount as needed

 No Yes No No

Access only funds that have been deposited

 Yes No Yes Yes

Use account money for…

 All eligible medical, dental, and vision care expenses for you and your qualified dependents All eligible medical, dental, and vision care expenses for you and your qualified dependents Eligible dependent care expenses, including child care for children up to age 13 and care for dependent elders Eligible medical, dental, and vision care expenses not covered by insurance, for you and your qualified dependents

“Use it or lose it” at year-end

No 2 and ½ month grace period to use your balance in the next plan year – unused amounts will be forfeited Yes No

Money is always yours to keep

 Yes No No Yes