Skip to main content

Health Savings Accounts

A health savings account (HSA) is a tax-free account that can be used to pay health care expenses at any time, including in retirement. Unlike a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), the funds do not have to be spent in the plan year they are deposited; any remaining HSA balance will roll forward each year. An important advantage of an HSA is that it is owned by the employee, so if you leave employment with WVU you can take the account with you.

Only WVU employees who have enrolled as primary policyholder in  PEIA Plan C (high-deductible plan) are eligible to enroll in a HSA. Employees may make pre-tax contributions to their HSA. 

Employees have the option of selecting one of two Health Savings Accounts vendors:

  1. TIAA HSA administered by Health Equity
  2. Mountaineer Flexible Benefits (FBMC) in partnership with PayFlex

HSA Limits



Qualifying for an HSA 
To be an eligible individual and qualify for an HSA, you must meet the following requirements:
  • You are covered under a high deductible health plan (HDHP), which for WVU employees means PEIA PPB Plan C;
  • You have no other health coverage;
  • You aren’t enrolled in Medicare; and
  • You are not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.

Option 1: TIAA HSA administered by HealthEquity 

The TIAA HSA is administered by HealthEquity and integrates into the TIAA online and mobile experience.
HSA funds are deposited into one of two interest-bearing cash accounts with Health Equity. Once your balance in one of the cash account options is $1,000 or more, you can begin allocating your HSA contributions to the TIAA HSA investment menu. To request reimbursement, the quickest method is online through www.healthequity.com. You can also use the reimbursement paper form option below, but this will take longer. 


TIAA HSA Enrollment Form  

Option 2: Mountaineer Flexible Benefits (PayFlex)

HSA funds are held in an interest-bearing checking account with  PayFlex.  

PayFlex Enrollment Form

Limited Health Care FSA (LPFSA)
(for HSA participants only)

A Limited Health Care FSA is designed specifically for employees who wish to take advantage of a Heath Savings Account (HSA) while continuing to enjoy the tax savings expected from an FSA. Much like a Medical FSA, funds are set aside from your salary before taxes are deducted, allowing you to pay your eligible expenses tax free. However, the  funds in a Limited Health Care FSA can only be used for dental and vision expenses.

Mountaineer Flexible Benefits HSA and Limited Health Care FSA Resources