By offering the CIGNA Choice Plan, an IRS-Qualified High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), UMS is able to offer a Health Savings Account to those eligible employees who elect the CIGNA Choice Plan. This is an employee-owned bank account (allowed by Federal law for those with HDHPs) where employees may set aside tax-free money for out-of-pocket, qualified healthcare expenses (deductibles, copays, coinsurance, etc.). Funds in a Health Savings Account have no expiration date like a Flexible Spending Account.
The Health Savings Account (HSA) is owned by the employee! As the “account holder,” the IRS requires that employees meet certain criteria to open an HSA. Employees:
- Must be covered under a qualified high deductible health plan (HDHP) – such as the Choice Fund HSA
- Cannot have other health coverage – including a spouse’s Flexible Spending Account – unless permitted by the IRS
- Cannot be enrolled in Medicare or TRICARE or claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
Health Savings Accounts will be administered by HSA Bank.
- Eligible HSA Expenses
- HSA Informational Brochure - Take Charge
- HSA Rollover/Transfer Form
- HSA Authorization for Payroll Deductions Form
- HSA Long Term Investing
- HSA and Medicare FAQ
In addition to any contributions you make, the University System will contribute up to $1,000 for employees with single coverage and up to $2,000 for employees with two-person or family coverage to each eligible employee’s HSA to help with the annual deductible and copays. The HSA may be used for medical plan expenses, as well as long-term care, COBRA, and Medicare premium payments.
UMS contribution amounts are subject to change in the future based on plan participation and available University financial resources. UMS contributions will be distributed in equal paycheck installments throughout the year. For example, if you are a salaried employee paid monthly enrolled as an Individual in the Choice Plan, you will have $83.33 deposited each month for 12 months totaling $1,000 per year.
UMS Contribution per Paycheck
| Choice Fund Plan Coverage | Biweekly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $38.46 | $83.33 |
| 2-Person or Family | $76.92 | $166.66 |
Annual maximum contribution limit
The IRS provides maximum annual contribution limits, based on the type of underlying high deductible health plan (HDHP) coverage you have: single or family. If you have more than one person covered under your HDHP, you are classified as a “family.” The annual IRS maximum contribution limit applies to all contributions made to your account, regardless of who makes the contribution. The annual maximum contribution limits are as follows:
| Year | 2024 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Limit | Under age 55 | Age 55+ |
| Individual | $4,150 from all sources combined, including the $1,000 University Contribution if applicable | $5,150 from all sources combined, including the $1,000 University Contribution if applicable |
| 2-Person or Family | $8,300 from all sources combined, including the $2,000 University Contribution if applicable | $9,300 from all sources combined, including the $2,000 University Contribution if applicable |
| Year | 2023 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Limit | Under age 55 | Age 55+ |
| Individual | $3,850 from all sources combined, including the $1,000 University Contribution if applicable | $4,850 from all sources combined, including the $1,000 University Contribution if applicable |
| 2-Person or Family | $7,750 from all sources combined, including the $2,000 University Contribution if applicable | $8,750 from all sources combined, including the $2,000 University Contribution if applicable |
Contact Employee Benefits Center
The above is a brief summary of benefits offered by the University of Maine System. If you have a question about benefits enrollment, call toll-free 866-269-9635 (or 973-3373) or email benefits@maine.edu. Have your Employee ID number for faster service.
or email benefits@maine.edu. Have your Employee ID number for faster service.
