Manage your Health Savings Account (HSA)

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a type of pre-tax benefit account for people who are enrolled in an HSA-eligible high-deductible health plan (HDHP). Money is contributed pre-tax, incurs interest, and can be invested. HSA funds accumulate each year that you're enrolled, go with you wherever you go, and do not expire.

You can use your HSA to pay for eligible health expenses, including some dental and vision costs. Read more from the IRS about how an HSA works.

To offer an HSA with Gusto, your company must offer health insurance with Gusto. If your company offers an HSA through a third party, admins can set up benefit deductions for your team.

Use your HSA (Benefits Card Hub)

Note: This section is for benefits managed through the Benefits Card Hub, not the Gusto Benefits Card Manager.

  • To see which applies to you: Sign in to your Gusto employee account and go to the Benefits section. Click the HSA tile and check whether Gusto Benefits Card Manager or Benefits Card Hub is listed there. If your benefit is managed through the Benefits Card Hub, refer to the section above for help navigating your account.

HSA funds are available for you to spend about a week after the date of a paycheck in which HSA deductions were taken.

How to use your HSA funds

There are many ways you can use your HSA funds:

  1. Swipe your card at an eligible vendor for an eligible HSA expense (medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy).
  2. Pay out of pocket for an eligible expense and request reimbursement in the Benefits Card Hub.
  3. Once your account balance reaches $500, you may invest your funds.
Access your Benefits Card Hub

Here's how to set up your Benefits Card Hub account, sign in, and recover your password or username. 

Register for the Benefits Card Hub 

To access the Benefits Card Hub for the first time, follow the steps below to register.

If you've left your company and did not register for the Benefits Card Hub during your employment: It’s not too late to register by using the steps below. But first, contact Gusto to request your registration ID. 

  1. Sign in to Gusto.
  2. Click the Benefits tab.
  3. Click the name of any pre-tax benefit account you currently have—FSA, HSA, DCFSA, or Commuter Benefits.
  4. In the "Benefits Card Hub" tile, copy your Registration ID.
  5. Click Sign In to open the Benefits Card Hub.
  6. Click Register.
  7. Enter your date of birth and the Registration ID you copied in Step 4.
  8. Fill out the remaining fields on the next page.
  9. To avoid paper statement fees, make sure to select Go Paperless.
  10. A verification email will be sent to the email address you provided email. Follow the steps in the email to finish registering.
  11. Finally, you'll need to verify your identity by entering the last 4 digits of your Gusto benefits card. In your Benefits Card Hub, click Cards and follow the prompts to verify your identity. We cannot bypass this step as it is a security requirement. 

Sign in to the Benefits Card Hub

Once you register for the Benefits Card Hub, you can sign in at this link or from your Gusto account.

Here's how to get there from your Gusto account:

  1. Sign in to Gusto.
  2. Click the Benefits tab.
  3. Click the name of any pre-tax benefit account you currently have—FSA, HSA, DCFSA, or Commuter Benefits.
  4. Click Sign In to open the Benefits Card Hub. 
  5. Enter your username and password.

Recover a lost password or username for the Benefits Card Hub

If you do not know your password or username for the Benefits Cards Hub, follow these steps to recover or update it.

  1. Sign in to Gusto.
  2. Click the Benefits tab.
  3. Click the name of any pre-tax benefit account you currently have—FSA, HSA, DCFSA, or Commuter Benefits.
  4. Click Sign In to open the Benefits Card Hub. 
  5. Click Forgot password or Forgot username.
    • For Forgot password, you will be prompted to enter your username.
    • For Forgot username, you will be prompted to enter your email.
  6. A code will be emailed to you. Follow the instructions in the email to recover or change your username or password.
Manage your Gusto benefits card

Here's how to add your card to mobile pay, lock or replace your card, dispute a transaction, and more.

Receiving your card

Your Gusto benefits card will be mailed to your home address on file with Gusto after you’ve completed your enrollment into a pre-tax benefit (FSA, DCFSA, HSA, or Commuter). 

Once mailed, it should arrive within 7–10 business days in a nondescript envelope from Gusto. Sign in to the Benefits Card Hub if you need to report your card lost or stolen. 

You will only receive one card even if you are enrolled in multiple pre-tax benefit accounts. The card will automatically apply expenses to the appropriate account. 

Add your card to mobile pay

Once you’ve activated your card, you can add it to your mobile wallet. Choose your phone provider for instructions: 

If you need help adding your card to your mobile wallet, contact your mobile wallet provider.

Activate your card

You must activate your Gusto benefits card before you can use it. You can activate it by phone or online in the Benefits Card Hub.

You'll set up a PIN during activation, but note that no vendors should require a PIN. 

Activate your card by phone

Call the number on the sticker applied to your card. You will be prompted to provide the following information:

  • Card number
  • Zip code: The zip code of your home address on file with Gusto
  • Date of birth: In MM/YYYY format

Activate your card online in the Benefits Card Hub

  1. Sign in to the Benefits Card Hub.
  2. Click Cards.
  3. Activate your card.

Using your card for multiple benefits

You will only receive one card even if you are enrolled in multiple pre-tax benefit accounts. The card automatically applies expenses to the appropriate account.

Find your PIN

You set up a PIN when you activate your Gusto benefits card. However, you should not have to use it. Always check out using the credit option. If prompted for a PIN, you should always try to bypass the option. 

Most vendors do not require a PIN to complete a transaction, even if prompted. 

Lock, close, or replace a card

You may need to update a Gusto benefits card if one is lost or stolen, or if you no longer wish for your dependent to have an active card. Follow the steps below to manage your cards. 

Lock a card

  1. Sign in to the Benefits Card Hub.
  2. Click Cards.
  3. Under the card you'd like to lock, click Lock Card.

Close a card

Here's how to close one of the cards associated with your account. For example, you may do this if you no longer wish for your dependent to have an active card.

  1. Sign in to the Benefits Card Hub.
  2. Click Cards.
  3. Under the card you'd like to lock, click Close Card.

Replace a card

  1. Sign in to the Benefits Card Hub.
  2. Click Cards.
  3. Under the card you'd like to replace, click Replace Card.
  4. Choose your replacement reason and click Submit.

Dispute a card transaction

You have 60 days from the date of a transaction to dispute it for fraud. After 60 days, the transaction cannot be disputed. If you have a transaction you need to dispute, fill out this form

What happens next? 

Your dispute will go through an initial review within 3–5 business days. After the initial review, if deemed eligible for dispute, a provisional credit will be applied within 5–7 business days. If the dispute is approved, the credit will remain. If the dispute is denied, the credit will be removed. In total this typically takes around 60 days.

Order a card for a dependent 

You may be able to request a Gusto benefits card for eligible dependents. There are two important consequences to ordering a dependent card that you must be aware of. 

  • First, your dependent will have access to all of your accounts. It’s your responsibility to make sure your dependents are only spending eligible funds. For example, you cannot use your commuting funds to pay for your dependent’s commuting expenses. 
  • Second, you are responsible for managing the status of your dependent’s card. If you remove a dependent from your benefits in Gusto or no longer want them to access your account(s), you must update their card status in the Benefits Card Hub.

Here's how to request a Gusto benefits card for your dependent. 

  1. Sign in to the Benefits Card Hub.
  2. Click Cards.
  3. Click Add Card.
  4. Choose your dependent.
    • If your dependent is not listed, here's how to add them: In the top-right of the page, click on your initials. Choose Manage Account, then go to Dependents.
Submit an expense for reimbursement or pay a bill

You can review and manage your expenses in the Benefits Card Hub: Under "My Accounts," click HSA. See the steps above on how to register or sign in to the Benefits Card Hub.

Add or edit a reimbursement method

You can choose to be reimbursed by check or direct deposit. Follow these steps to set up or change your reimbursement method:

  1. Sign in to the Benefits Card Hub.
  2. In the top-right corner, click on your initials.
  3. Click Manage Account.
  4. Click the Reimbursement Options tab.
  5. Choose Add Payment Method.
  6. Fill out the prompts and you’re ready to start getting reimbursed.

Note: Adding a bank account can take 2–3 business days to verify.

Receipt requirements

Unlike FSAs and commuter benefits, you do not need to submit receipts for HSA reimbursements because an HSA is your personal bank account. You're responsible for making sure you use your funds on qualifying expenses. 

Submit an expense for reimbursement

If you paid out of pocket for an eligible expense, you may submit it for reimbursement as long as the service was rendered during your coverage period, and the final date to submit claims has not passed. 

To submit an expense for reimbursement:

  1. Sign in to the Benefits Card Hub.
  2. Choose Reimburse Me.
  3. Upload your receipt, bill, or explanation of benefits (EOB).
  4. Review the information on the next page. If all looks correct, you can submit the request. If anything needs to be corrected, you can edit the field directly.
  5. Choose your reimbursement method and submit the request.

If the information can be validated immediately, your claim will be approved on the spot. If additional review is required you will receive an email when the claim has been processed. This is typically 3-5 business days

When you'll be reimbursed

If your claim is approved, you’ll be reimbursed using the reimbursement method you selected above.

Here's how the reimbursement is sent, based on the reimbursement method you've chosen:

  • Check: A check will be mailed to your home address in a plain envelope. If the check has not been cashed, you can update your reimbursement method to direct deposit in the Benefits Card Hub.
  • Direct deposit: Your chosen bank account will receive the ACH within 1–3 days. It will appear on your bank statement as “Gusto PayClaim.”

Submit an expense for reimbursement after leaving your company

If your benefit has a runout period, you may have extra time to submit claims for qualifying expenses incurred during your employment. You can confirm your last day to submit an expense in the Benefits Card Hub.

If you did not register for your Benefits Card Hub during your employment, contact Gusto for help.

Pay a bill directly

If you receive a bill for an eligible expense, you can pay it via check directly from your associated pre-tax benefit account.

If you've already paid the bill and want to be reimbursed, go to the header above titled "Submit an expense for reimbursement."

Here's how to pay a bill:

  1. Sign in to the Benefits Card Hub.
  2. Choose Pay a bill.
  3. Upload your receipt.
  4. Review the information on the next page. If all looks correct, you can submit the request.

If all the required information can be identified in the receipt, your claim will be automatically approved and the payment will be made to the provider by check. If not, the claim will be manually reviewed within 3-5 business days. You will receive an email once the claim has been reviewed and processed.

Note: Checks expire after 180 days. You will receive an email if a check is about to expire. If the check was sent to your provider please connect with them first about the payment. 

Invest your funds

Once your HSA balance is $500 or more, you have the option to invest your funds. You can start investing from your Benefits Card Hub account. You must invest a minimum of $100 at a time.

Investment options

There are two options when investing your HSA funds: self-directed or managed.

  • Self-directed: This option puts more investment control into participants’ hands, enabling them to actively choose their HSA investments from a pre-set list of approximately 30 exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Participants can review and research fund options, select funds based on their unique goals and risk tolerance, and buy and sell funds at their discretion in real-time. No investment fees.
  • Managed: This option provides a guided investment solution customized to participants' goals and backed by a registered investment advisor (RIA). Participants new to investing can rest easy knowing that their HSA funds are professionally managed for optimal growth. May come at an added cost.

Self-directed vs. managed

  Managed Self-Directed
Investment types ETFs ETFs (approximately 30 preselected)
Investment advice RIA + automated portfolio reviews and rebalancing Self-serve research tools
Fees 0.25% annual management fee, paid monthly No administration, management, or trade fees
Best for… Newer investors, participants short on time Participants with some investment experience and ability to research funds

Managed investment options (detailed list)

Symbol Name Type Category Cons. (20% Stock) Mod Cons. (40% Stock) Mod. (60% Stock) Mod Agg. (75% Stock) Agg. (90% Stock)
N/A Cash option - UMB ETF Short-Term Bond 5% 5% 3% 2% 0%
VCSH Short-Term Corp Bd Idx ETF Vanguard ETF Short-Term Bond 5% 5% 2% 3% 0%
BND US Total Bond Market Index ETF Vanguard ETF Intermediate Core Bond 30% 21% 14% 8% 5%
HTRB HARTFORD TOTAL RTRN BOND ETF ETF Intermediate Core-Plus Bond 30% 20% 14% 8% 5%
SCHP Schwab US TIPS ETF ETF Inflation-Protected Bond 5% 4% 3% 2% 0%
IGOV iShares International Treasury Bond ETF ETF Global Bond 1% 1% 1% 0% 0%
USHY iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF ETF High Yield Bond 4% 4% 3% 1% 0%
SCHD US Dividend Equity ETF Schwab ETF Large Value 4% 8% 9% 12% 13%
IVV Core S&P 500 iShares ETF ETF Large Blend 4% 8% 10% 11% 13%
VUG Growth ETF Vanguard ETF Large Growth 4% 8% 10% 14% 15%
VO Mid-Cap ETF Vanguard ETF Mid-Cap Blend 2% 4% 9% 10% 14%
IWN Russell 2000 Value ETF iShares ETF Small Value 1% 1% 2% 2% 3%
VTWO Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF ETF Small Blend 0% 1% 2% 2% 4%
IWO Russell 2000 Growth ETF iShares ETF Small Growth 1% 1% 2% 3% 4%
IEFA Core MSCI EAFE iShares ETF Foreign Large Blend 4% 8% 11% 14% 16%
SCZ MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF iShares ETF Foreign Small/Mid Blend 0% 1% 2% 3% 4%
SCHE Emerging Markets Equity ETF Schwab ETF Diversified Emerging Mkts 0% 0% 3% 4% 4%

Self-directed investment options (detailed list)

Symbol Name Type Category
VCSH Short-Term Corp Bd Idx ETF Vanguard ETF
Short-Term Bond
BND US Total Bond Market Index ETF Vanguard ETF
Intermediate Core Bond
HTRB HARTFORD TOTAL RTRN BOND ETF ETF
Intermediate Core-Plus Bond
SCHP Schwab US TIPS ETF ETF
Inflation-Protected Bond
IGOV iShares International Treasury Bond ETF ETF Global Bond
USHY iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF ETF High Yield Bond
SCHD US Dividend Equity ETF Schwab ETF Large Value
VONV Vanguard Russell 1000 Value ETF ETF Large Value
IVV Core S&P 500 iShares ETF ETF Large Blend
OEF S&P 100 Index iShares ETF Large Blend
VUG Growth ETF Vanguard ETF Large Growth
QQQ Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1 ETF Large Growth
IWS Russell Mid-Cap Value iShares ETF Mid-Cap Value
VO Mid-Cap ETF Vanguard ETF Mid-Cap Blend
IWP Russell Mid-Cap Growth iShares ETF Mid-Cap Growth
IWN Russell 2000 Value ETF iShares ETF Small Value
VTWO Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF ETF Small Blend
IWO Russell 2000 Growth ETF iShares ETF Small Growth
ICF iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF ETF Real Estate
IEFA Core MSCI EAFE iShares ETF
Foreign Large Blend
SCZ MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF iShares ETF
Foreign Small/Mid Blend
SCHE Emerging Markets Equity ETF Schwab ETF
Diversified Emerging Mkts

 

Order checks for your HSA

Checks are not available. 

Turn off a recurring reimbursement

You can cancel a recurring reimbursement by signing in to your Benefits Card Hub.

Correct a non-qualified expense

Unlike FSAs and commuter benefits, an HSA is your personal bank account—you alone are responsible for making sure that you spend your funds on qualifying expenses. Contact us if you need to correct a non-qualifying transaction. 

Manage your HSA (Benefits Card Hub)

Note: This section is for benefits managed through the Benefits Card Hub, not the Gusto Benefits Card Manager.

  • To see which applies to you: Sign in to your Gusto employee account and go to the Benefits section. Click the HSA tile and check whether Gusto Benefits Card Manager or Benefits Card Hub is listed there.

Choose a section below for more ways to manage your HSA.

Opt out of paper statement fees 

By default, you'll be sent periodic statements by mail, which costs $1.00. To opt out of statement fees, access your Benefits Card Hub and follow the instructions in the notifications section of your homepage. Once you change this setting, you'll only receive electronic statements and the fee will no longer be applied.

Contribute to your HSA outside of payroll deductions

When you make contributions outside of payroll, here are some IRS requirements to keep in mind:

  • Full contribution rule: If you're eligible to contribute to an HSA on December 1st of a given calendar year, you may contribute the maximum contribution for that calendar year. However, you must remain eligible for an HSA for the entire following year. If you don't remain eligible for the entire next year, you'll owe a 6% excise tax on all contributions made in the previous year when you were not eligible.
    • Ex: If you enroll in an HDHP effective December 1st, 2023, you may contribute the 2023 maximum to your HSA. If you're still enrolled in 2024, you may also contribute the 2024 maximum. Follow the steps above if you want to make lump-sum contributions outside of payroll deductions.
  • Tax filing deadline: You must make contributions for a taxable year by the tax filing due date, April 15. Employer contributions may also be made up until April 15 for the prior year. 

Follow the steps below if you want to make a one-time contribution to your HSA. It takes 1–3 days for a bank to be verified before funds can be transferred from it.

  1. Sign in to the Benefits Card Hub.
  2. Under "My Accounts," click your HSA.
  3. Under "Funds Management," choose Contributions.
  4. Follow the instructions to submit your contribution. 
Change your HSA contribution

Once you're enrolled, you can change your annual HSA contribution anytime. If you'd rather make a one-time contribution outside of payroll, check out the "Contribute to your HSA outside of payroll deductions" section above.

Changes must be submitted before the 20th of the current month to take effect on the first day of the following month (ex: Submit changes by April 20th to start May 1). You'll be unable to make changes after the 20th of the last month of your policy.

To make changes:

  1. Sign in to Gusto.
  2. Go to the Benefits section.
  3. Find the HSA tile and click View.
  4. Click Change election.
  5. Choose Enroll.
  6. Click Save & continue.
  7. Enter how much money you want to contribute per month towards your HSA for the remainder of the policy year.
  8. Click Confirm & Enroll.
Download tax forms

Two tax forms are provided for employees who have an HSA: 

  • 1099-SA: Received by January 31 and shows your annual distributions. You'll only receive this form if you made distributions from your HSA in the prior calendar year, meaning you spent HSA funds on qualified expenses.
  • 5498-SA: Received by May 31 and shows your annual contributions.

Find your tax forms

UMB Bank sends applicable forms directly to enrolled employees, unless you've changed your delivery preference to electronic delivery only.

You can also find your forms in the Benefits Card Hub:

  1. Sign in to the Benefits Card Hub.
  2. Under "My Accounts," click your HSA.
  3. In the top-right part of the page, click the “More” icon.
  4. Click Tax Forms.
Find your account number

Follow these steps to find your HSA bank account number:

  1. Sign in to the Benefits Card Hub.
  2. Under "My Accounts," click your HSA.
  3. On the HSA card, click the "info" icon. 
  4. To expose your account number, click on the icon that looks like a closed eye.