Healthcare Provider Update: Ingles Markets, a regional grocery store chain, partners with UnitedHealthcare for its employee healthcare benefits. As we look ahead to 2026, potential healthcare cost increases for Ingles Markets and similar employers are concerning. The projected rise in health insurance premiums linked to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) suggests many employees could see out-of-pocket costs soar by over 75%. This surge is driven by several factors, including higher medical expenses, the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, and significant rate hikes from major insurers, all of which combine to create a challenging financial landscape for both employers and their employees. Click here to learn more
For Ingles Markets 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, Ingles Markets 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 Ingles Markets 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 Ingles Markets 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 Ingles Markets retirement planning strategy.
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- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
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- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
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- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
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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 type of retirement plan does Ingles Markets offer to its employees?
Ingles Markets offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.
How can employees of Ingles Markets enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees of Ingles Markets can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company's HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Ingles Markets provide any matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Ingles Markets provides matching contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain conditions and limits.
What is the eligibility requirement to participate in the Ingles Markets 401(k) plan?
Employees of Ingles Markets typically become eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, as outlined in the plan documents.
Can employees of Ingles Markets change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees of Ingles Markets can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at any time, following the guidelines set forth in the plan.
What investment options are available in the Ingles Markets 401(k) plan?
The Ingles Markets 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Is there a loan provision available in the Ingles Markets 401(k) plan?
Yes, the Ingles Markets 401(k) plan may allow participants to take loans against their account balance, subject to specific terms and conditions.
At what age can employees of Ingles Markets begin to withdraw funds from their 401(k) plan without penalties?
Employees of Ingles Markets can typically begin to withdraw funds from their 401(k) plan without penalties at age 59½, following IRS regulations.
How does Ingles Markets communicate changes to the 401(k) plan to its employees?
Ingles Markets communicates changes to the 401(k) plan through employee newsletters, meetings, and updates on the HR portal.
Are there any fees associated with the Ingles Markets 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative and investment fees associated with the Ingles Markets 401(k) plan, which are detailed in the plan documents.