A couple of quick reminders!

• Because there are tax benefits to having an HSA, Uncle Sam requires that you have a higher-deductible insurance plan (HSA-qualified plan). So, you're not only getting the tax benefits, but you're also paying less for your insurance plan.

With the skyrocketing cost of health care and out-of-pocket costs, HSA plans continue to gain popularity. Here are some recent stats that are important!

Related: HSA education top concern of plan sponsors

• Did you know that enrollment in high-deductible (HSA-eligible) health plans is estimated to be between 20 million to 22 million policyholders and their dependents?
• Yet, it's estimated that there are only 5.5 million HSA accounts with total assets of $11.4 billion as of Dec 321, 2016, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute.

Here are my top 12 reasons you should have an HSA.

1. This is one of my favorites! If you haven't reached your HSA contribution limit for the prior year, you can lessen your tax burden by adding to your HSA right up until you pay your taxes. Note: Your account must have already been opened in the prior year. Be sure to learn the maximum amount you can contribute to your HSA. Don't forget that $1,000 catch up contribution if you are over age 55!
2. The money you put into your HSA is 100 percent tax deductible! (Okay, is there anyone out there that wants to give more money to the IRS?) Be sure to learn the maximum amount you can contribute to your HSA in 2019.
3. You never pay taxes on your HSA money as long as you use it for qualified medical expenses.
4. You can reimburse yourself for qualified medical expenses any time you want. For instance, let's say you pay your qualified expenses with your American Advantage credit card to earn those airline miles. When you're ready, you can reimburse yourself from your HSA account. No rush or deadline, but keep those medical receipts in a safe place.
5. Most HSAs offer the ability to invest, like a 401(k). Unlike a 401(k), there's no required minimum distribution; in other words, you don't have to take withdrawals at 70½ years old. So, maybe you want another investment option for retirement. You may be surprised to learn that many people use HSAs in this way. Pretty smart, actually. HSAs can help keep retirement plans in place.
6. Unused funds roll over from year to year, so it's note a “use it or lose it” account (like a flexible spending account).
7. It is your money, even if your employer contributes. Even if you leave your job and enroll in a non-HSA compatible insurance plan, you can still use your HSA money. Note that you can't contribute to your account if you're no longer enrolled in an HSA-compatible insurance plan.
8. You can use your HSA funds to pay for dependents' qualified expenses and it's still tax-free, even if they're not on your health plan. Yep, it's true.
9. You can use your HSA money for vision and dental expenses, so go get those braces and/or a vision correction surgery, plus more (but sorry ladies, and um, gents…cosmetic procedures are not considered eligible)! One could argue that beauty is medically necessary, but…
10. And what about those insurance premiums? Well, you can pay for COBRA premiums, which is great these days since COBRA can sometimes be less expensive than individual insurance. Yikes…that's a whole other story.
11. Speaking of premiums, if you start an HSA when you're younger, you can look forward to a nice birthday present on your 65th birthday! You can use your fund to pay Medicare premiums for Part B, and D.
12. But one of the very best reasons to have an HSA plan is because of money, honey. HDHPs are, on average, 30 percent lower in premiums. For example, a Gold Plan (with co-pay) for a 40-year old, versus a Bronze plan (HSA-eligible) would net an annual savings of $2,891.88 in premiums. That's $2,283 you can put in your HSA and you can do a lot with that extra money.

Are you convinced? Ready to sign up? Whether you get your insurance through an employer or purchase your own insurance, if you have an HSA compatible medical plan, you can get an HSA. Some employers offer them as part of a benefits package, so ask your manager.

You can open an HSA at your bank or financial institution of choice. Working with a licensed professional health insurance broker is always recommended. We can walk with you through all the steps and educate along the way. And if your employer doesn't offer this type of health plan, make the request! (They'll think you are super savvy and smart with your money – and theirs.)