Eversource Energy Employees, Prepare for Enhanced HSA Benefits in 2025

For Eversource Energy 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, Eversource Energy 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 Eversource Energy 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 Eversource Energy 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 Eversource Energy 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 Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

The Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or after-tax basis, helping them build a financial foundation for retirement.

How can I enroll in the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can enroll in the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What is the employer match for the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

Eversource Energy offers a competitive employer match to encourage employee participation in the 401(k) Savings Plan. Specific matching contributions can vary, so it's best to check the plan documentation for details.

Can I change my contribution rate to the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution rate to the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan at any time through the benefits portal or by contacting HR.

What investment options are available in the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

The Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock, allowing employees to tailor their investment strategy.

Is there a vesting schedule for the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan has a vesting schedule for employer contributions. Employees should refer to the plan documents for specific details on the vesting timeline.

What happens to my Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?

If you leave Eversource Energy, you have several options regarding your 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling over your balance to another retirement account, cashing out, or leaving it in the plan if permitted.

Can I take a loan from my Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Eversource Energy allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to certain conditions and limits. Employees should review the plan's loan policy for more information.

Are there hardship withdrawals available in the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Eversource Energy permits hardship withdrawals from the 401(k) Savings Plan under specific circumstances. Employees must meet certain criteria to qualify for a hardship withdrawal.

How often can I review my Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan statements?

Employees can review their Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan statements quarterly, and they can also access their account information online at any time.

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

Eversource Energy offers comprehensive employee pension and 401(k) plans for its employees, focusing on both financial security and long-term retirement benefits. Eversource Energy's pension plan is accessible through their PensionConnect platform. Employees participating in the Eversource Pension Plan can manage their accounts via the platform, which has been updated with enhanced security since January 2019 (EHR.com). In addition to the pension plan, Eversource Energy offers a 401(k) plan, which includes a 100% match on the first 3% of employee contributions. An additional employer contribution, known as KVantage, is based on both the employee's age and years of service, and ranges from 2.5% to 6.5%. For employees over the age of 40, the MedVantage program provides an annual $1,000 contribution to a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) for post-employment medical expenses

Restructuring Layoffs: Eversource has not announced any significant layoffs in 2023-2024, but the company remains vigilant in its operational adjustments to align with market conditions. Given the ongoing economic uncertainties, it's important for employees and stakeholders to stay informed about potential restructuring efforts that could impact job security and overall company strategy.

Eversource Energy provides its employees with both stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of their compensation packages. The specific stock options and RSUs available at Eversource Energy are designed to align employee interests with those of shareholders, incentivizing long-term company performance. The stock options granted by Eversource Energy typically include the right to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, often based on the market value at the time of the grant. Employees generally must meet certain vesting conditions, such as continued employment over a specified period, to exercise these options. RSUs, on the other hand, are company shares granted to employees, which also vest over time. Once vested, the RSUs are converted into actual shares of Eversource Energy stock, which the employee can then hold or sell. As of 2022, 2023, and 2024, these stock options and RSUs have been made available to a broad range of employees within the company, primarily focusing on executive-level staff and those in key positions critical to the company's success. The specific eligibility criteria, vesting schedules, and grant amounts vary based on the employee's role and performance.

Eversource Energy offers a comprehensive set of health benefits designed to support the well-being of its employees. The company's health benefits for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024 include a variety of plans such as medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage. Employees have access to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which allow them to manage healthcare expenses with tax advantages. Eversource is also known for its wellness program, which incentivizes employees and their spouses to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. The program includes access to wellness resources, often powered by platforms like Virgin Pulse, and offers rewards for participation in health-related activities. Additionally, Eversource has specific provisions for employees facing serious health conditions. For instance, the company offers protections against service shut-offs for households with members facing life-threatening conditions or serious illnesses. These protections extend through specific periods and require certification from a medical professional.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Eversource Energy at , ; or by calling them at .

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