How Do I Enroll in a Health Savings Account (HSA)?

Quick answer: HSA enrollment happens during new-hire onboarding or annual open enrollment. You verify that you're eligible, complete the HSA Application and the HSA Authorization Form (which sets your payroll deductions), submit them for processing, and then complete a one-time identity verification with the HSA bank. Your debit card arrives by mail once the account is open.

A Health Savings Account (HSA) lets you set aside pre-tax money from your paycheck for medical expenses. Here's how enrollment works step by step.

Step 1: Verify You're Eligible

You must be enrolled in a qualified High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), have no other disqualifying coverage (including Medicare), and not be claimed as a dependent on anyone's tax return. (See the article "Who Is Eligible to Open an HSA?" for full details.)

Step 2: Complete the Enrollment Forms

Two forms are needed:

1. HSA Application and Eligibility Form — opens the account.

2. HSA Authorization Form — sets your pre-tax contribution amount per pay period. Your church may also contribute to your account; the combined total must stay within the IRS annual limits for the year.

Submit both completed, signed forms to your church's HR contact for processing in the HSA employer portal.

Step 3: Complete Identity Verification (CIP)

Federal law (the USA PATRIOT Act) requires HSA banks to verify the identity of every new accountholder — this is called the Customer Identification Program (CIP). Most people are verified automatically.

If the bank cannot verify your identity automatically, they will contact you for copies of:

• Your Social Security card, and

• A U.S. government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). If the ID doesn't show your current address, include a recent utility bill that does.

Deadline: Submit these within 90 days of account setup, or the account may be closed.

Step 4: Receive Your Debit Card

Once verification is approved, your enrollment is complete and contributions can begin. Your HSA debit card is mailed within a few business days of the account opening and typically arrives in 1–2 weeks.

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