New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

American Airlines Group Employees, Prepare for Enhanced HSA Benefits in 2025

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for American Airlines Group American Airlines Group primarily offers health insurance benefits through various large national insurers, including Aetna and UnitedHealthcare. This ensures coverage for their employees across a variety of healthcare needs. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 Healthcare costs for American Airlines Group are poised to intensify in 2026, largely driven by record increases in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums. Insurers exhibit a strong trend of escalating rates, with anticipated hikes averaging around 18%, and in some regions, exceeding 60%. The looming expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies is a significant factor, as it may push out-of-pocket premiums for many employees up by over 75%. Consequently, the financial strain of rising medical costs and decreased subsidy support could severely impact both employees' budgets and the employer's approach to providing competitive benefits. Click here to learn more

For American Airlines Group employees, maximizing contributions to your HSA in 2025 may be a smart way to control costs around healthcare and also grow your long-term savings for retirement, said.

With the increase in HSA contribution limits coming soon, American Airlines Group employees approaching retirement should take advantage of this opportunity to grow their healthcare savings now so they can take a tax-efficient approach to future medical costs, said Sullivan.

In this article, we will discuss:

1. Limits on 2025 IRS health savings account (HSA) contributions.

2. How HSAs give you a triple tax advantage and help you control costs for healthcare.

3. HSAs & retirement planning & Medicare premiums.

The IRS has announced inflation-adjusted increases to the health savings account (HSA) contribution limits for 2025. The contribution cap for those with self-only health coverage will increase from USD 4,150 in 2024 to USD 4,300 in 2025, and for families, the maximum will increase from USD 8,300 to USD 8,550.

HSAs provide a triple tax benefit - contributions are deductible, account assets grow tax-free, and withdrawals for approved medical expenses are tax-free. Such features help HSAs manage healthcare costs.

Your high-deductible health plan must offer an HSA. For the year 2025, the IRS says the plans must carry a USD 1,650 individual deductible and USD 3,300 family deductible.Even with all these benefits, a 2023 survey by the Plan Sponsor Council of America found only 19% of HSA account holders invest—most keep their savings in cash—potentially missing big growth opportunities.

The IRS is also updating the catch-up contribution limit for American Airlines Group employees over age 55 this year—keeping the USD 1,000 catch-up contribution for now.Understand HSAs and how they could benefit your financial strategy—especially with the rise of healthcare costs and retirement planning. Prompt financial decisions such as switching to a Roth IRA or drafting a will are life planning steps as well.

And for American Airlines Group employees approaching retirement age: HSA money can help pay for Medicare premiums when you turn 65. That includes Medicare Advantage plans, as well as Parts B and D premiums, although Medigap premiums are not eligible for HSA expenditure. While not all medical expenses are covered by Medicare, funding these costs through HSAs could optimize your healthcare spending in retirement. A 2022 study by Fidelity Investments estimated medical costs for a retired couple would be around USD 315,000 after taxes.

Consider your health savings account (HSA) an essential tool in your financial toolkit. Like getting a new phone, increasing HSA contribution limits for 2025 gives you more options to manage and invest in your healthcare. You can think of contributing to your HSA as downloading an app that gives you triple tax benefits—deductions on contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses. This keeps your health coverage as current and efficient as new technology—making your HSA a critical component of your American Airlines Group retirement planning strategy.

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Sources:

1. Fidelity Investments. 'HSA Contribution Limits 2024 and 2025.' Fidelity.com , 23 Jan. 2025, https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/hsa-contribution-limits . Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

2. Plan Sponsor Council of America (PSCA). 'Helping Employees Enroll in HSAs.' PSCA.org , 9 Nov. 2023, https://www.psca.org/news/psca-news/2023/11/PR_2023_HSAreprot . Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

3. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 'Part III Administrative, Procedural, and Miscellaneous.' IRS.gov , May 2024, https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-24-25.pdf . Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

4. Woodruff Sawyer. 'IRS Releases 2025 HSA Contribution Limits and HDHP Deductible and Out-of-Pocket Limits.' Woodruffsawyer.com , 13 May 2024, https://woodruffsawyer.com/insights/2025-hsa-limits-released . Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

5. Plan Sponsor Council of America (PSCA). 'HSAs: A Growing Retirement Savings Strategy.' 401k Specialist , Nov. 2023, https://401kspecialistmag.com/higher-numbers-of-hsas-positioned-as-retirement-savings-strategy . Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

What is the 401(k) plan offered by American Airlines Group?

The 401(k) plan offered by American Airlines Group is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

How can I enroll in the 401(k) plan at American Airlines Group?

You can enroll in the 401(k) plan at American Airlines Group by accessing the employee benefits portal and following the enrollment instructions provided.

Does American Airlines Group offer matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, American Airlines Group offers matching contributions to the 401(k) plan, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for the 401(k) matching contributions at American Airlines Group?

The vesting schedule for matching contributions at American Airlines Group typically follows a graded vesting schedule, which means you gain ownership of the employer contributions over a period of time.

Can I change my contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at American Airlines Group?

Yes, you can change your contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at American Airlines Group at any time through the employee benefits portal.

What investment options are available in the American Airlines Group 401(k) plan?

The American Airlines Group 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

Is there a loan option available through the 401(k) plan at American Airlines Group?

Yes, American Airlines Group allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions.

What happens to my 401(k) plan if I leave American Airlines Group?

If you leave American Airlines Group, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out, or leave it in the plan if allowed.

At what age can I start withdrawing from my 401(k) plan at American Airlines Group without penalties?

You can start withdrawing from your 401(k) plan at American Airlines Group without penalties at age 59½, provided you meet other plan requirements.

Does American Airlines Group offer financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, American Airlines Group provides financial education resources, including workshops and online tools, to help employees understand their 401(k) plan options.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

American Airlines offers both a defined benefit pension plan and a defined contribution 401(k) plan. The defined benefit plan includes a cash balance component, where benefits grow based on years of service and compensation, with interest credits added annually. The 401(k) plan features company matching contributions and various investment options such as target-date funds and mutual funds. American Airlines also provides financial planning resources and tools to help employees manage their retirement savings.

American Airlines offers a 401(k) plan with up to a 5.5% employer match and comprehensive healthcare benefits. The company announced the layoff of 656 employees in its customer support department as part of a reorganization.

American Airlines offers RSUs that vest over time, giving employees shares of the company. They also provide stock options, allowing employees to purchase shares at a fixed price.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for American Airlines Group at 1 Skyview Drive Fort Worth, TX 76155; or by calling them at (817) 963-1234.