Simple question re: payment method and health insurance deductible

[mrteacher]

Just trying to confirm: regardless of HOW (check, credit card, HSA) we pay for medical expenses, doctor visits, etc., the billed amount will still count toward the deductible, correct?

In other words, we do not have to pay for our medical bills with our HSA in order to have them count towards meeting the deductible, right?

[Firepants]

Yep, payment method has nothing to do with meeting your deductible.

[charis]

Yes, the deductible for your health plan is unrelated to your health savings account, whether you use your HSA to pay directly for treatment or reimburse yourself for expenses.   A high deductible health plan (HDHP) is frequently offered with, or features, an HSA, but they are very different things.

[mrteacher]

Thank you!

I thought that was the case, as it certainly makes sense that payment method should not matter, but I wanted to check.

[Fishindude]

Set up an HSA account w/ credit/debit card to pay medical bills from.   
Makes it easy to track things and its all tax deductible.

[charis]

Set up an HSA account w/ credit/debit card to pay medical bills from.   
Makes it easy to track things and its all tax deductible.

Yes, you will typically receive a debit card for your HSA to pay medical bills directly from the account.  I never use it because I prefer to pay with a credit card that provides bonus points.  I then either reimburse myself from the HSA or save the HSA funds to invest (usually half and half) and use for future medical costs.