Walmart Employees, Prepare for Enhanced HSA Benefits in 2025

For Walmart 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, Walmart 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 Walmart 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 Walmart 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 Walmart 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 type of retirement savings plan does Walmart offer to its employees?

Walmart offers a 401(k) savings plan to help employees save for retirement.

Does Walmart match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Walmart provides a company match on employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, up to a certain percentage.

What is the eligibility requirement for Walmart employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?

Walmart employees are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service.

Can Walmart employees choose how much to contribute to their 401(k) plan?

Yes, Walmart employees can choose to contribute a percentage of their salary to their 401(k) plan, within IRS limits.

What investment options are available in Walmart's 401(k) plan?

Walmart's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds.

How can Walmart employees access their 401(k) account information?

Walmart employees can access their 401(k) account information online through the designated retirement plan website.

Is there a vesting period for the company match in Walmart's 401(k) plan?

Yes, Walmart has a vesting schedule for the company match, meaning employees must work for a certain period to fully own the matched funds.

Can Walmart employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Walmart allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What happens to Walmart employees' 401(k) savings if they leave the company?

If Walmart employees leave the company, they can roll over their 401(k) savings into another retirement account or withdraw the funds, subject to taxes and penalties.

Does Walmart provide financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, Walmart offers financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.

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

Walmart offers a 401(k) plan with a company match of 100% on the first 6% of eligible pay contributed by employees. The plan features a range of investment options, including target-date funds and mutual funds. Employees can also take advantage of financial education and retirement planning resources. Additionally, Walmart provides an Associate Stock Purchase Plan with company match contributions to help employees build their retirement savings.

Walmart offers RSUs that vest over a specified period, converting into shares upon vesting. Stock options are also available, allowing employees to purchase shares at a fixed price.