MEDICAL SAVINGS ACCOUNTS
(MSA)

What is an MSA?
This plan was established by congress in 1997 as a four-year pilot to address the issue of rising health care costs. In December 2000, the program was extended for an additonal two years a part of the 2001 budget bill. MSA's have an opportunity to become a permanent part of the nation's landscrape, and are one of the best-kept secrets around.

If you are familiar with an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), you already understand everything there is to know about a MSA. The only difference is that the money you save is used towards Medical expenses, not Retirement. One difference is that you use your MSA savings or investment account to pay medical-related expenses. However, the plan provides an incentive to remain healthy because any money left over at the end of the year remains in your account, earning interest, and TAX-FREE!

An MSA is composed of TWO PARTS: A savings account and the medical plan. Even if you do not have the savings account portion however, you may still be interested in our Medical Plan portion because of its low cost and great coverage.

HOW MUCH CAN I SAVE PER YEAR IN MY MSA ACCOUNT?
The amount you can save varies based on the cost of your plan and your income. Please contact us for exact amounts.

WHO IS IT FOR?
SELF-EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS, and FAMILIES WITHOUT EMPLOYER-SPONSORED HEALTH COVERAGE

MSA'S OFFER THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS:

· TAX ADVANTAGES
· PERSONAL SAVINGS OR INVESTMENT ACCOUNT
· EASY REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICAL EXPENSES
· INTEREST EARNED ON CONTRIBUTION IS TAX-FREE
· LOWER PREMIUMS
· MORE CONTROL
· PPO HEALTH CARE COVERAGE
· FREEDOM OF DOCTORS AND HOSPITALS
· DEDUCTIBLE OPTIONS - MAY VARY BY PLAN TYPE

Plans vary in how savings side is invested. Some interest rates and other's mutual fund investment options available. If you choose individual coverage, you are allowed to contribute up to 65% of your plan deductible. If you choose coverage for more than one person, you may contribute up to 75% of the two-party deductible. There is no minimum contribution required.

FOR INFORMATION CLICK HERE

For a good place to learn more about the tax aspects of Archer MSAs, go to the IRS web site at www.irs.gov and/or consult a professional tax advisor.