Which of the following is a characteristic of a medical savings account?

A medical savings account (MSA) is designed to help individuals save for medical expenses while providing tax incentives. One of the key characteristics that defines an MSA is that it is employer-funded and is typically linked to a high-deductible health insurance plan. This structure allows both employers and employees to contribute to the account, with the intention of covering costs that come with higher deductibles.

An MSA's design encourages individuals to manage their healthcare spending more efficiently, as funds in the account can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses. The account's integration with a high-deductible plan helps keep premiums lower while still providing a safety net for larger medical expenses. This feature is essential in understanding the appeal of MSAs in promoting both savings and responsible healthcare consumption.

In contrast, other options do not accurately outline the primary characteristics of a medical savings account. MSAs are not exclusively funded by employees, nor are they available to any size employer, as they typically have specific eligibility criteria. Additionally, they are not restricted to government employees, making the employer-funded aspect linked to high-deductible plans the most accurate depiction of a characteristic of a medical savings account.