At my day job they’re always trying to push health savings accounts like it’s their job. Do they get a commission or something? It’s a good idea in theory, you put aside pre-tax earnings to pay for health related expenses. The only problem is that this plan is geared entirely to the unhealthy.

You may use your HSA for a weight loss program to treat obesity. You may not use your HSA for your gym membership dues. So if I get super fat, then I can use my pre-tax cash to slim down, but until then health club going isn’t a health related expense.

You may use your HSA for birth control pills. So my girl can enjoy blood clots, stroke or heart attack, but no using the HSA for condoms, which help us all avoid STDs.

You may use your HSA to go to the doctor to get your scurvy treated, you may not use your HSA to buy some vitamin C.

You may use your HSA for a root canal. You may not use your HSA to buy some toothpaste and toothbrush to prevent said root canal.

It’s like these rules were written with the intention of discouraging any preventative measures. I am sure it’s a mass conspiracy to get me to neglect my health and spend more with the drug companies or something.