Can I transfer my HSA to my spouse?

Asked by: Martine Funk  |  Last update: October 5, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (46 votes)

Spouses cannot have a joint HSA. Each spouse who wants to contribute to an HSA must open a separate HSA. Dollars cannot be transferred between the HSAs. However, one spouse may use withdrawals from their HSA to pay or reimburse the eligible medical expenses of the other spouse, without penalty.

Can I merge my HSA account with my spouse?

HSAs are personal accounts, they can only be in one person's name so you can't merge them together.

Can you transfer an HSA to another person?

The IRA and HSA in question must be owned by the same individual (funds are non-transferable to a spouse or partner). Funds can be transferred from a Traditional or Roth IRA without further restrictions. Funds can be transferred from an SEP or Simple IRA as long as the IRA is no longer considered “ongoing” by the IRS.

Can I use my HSA for my spouse if she is not on my insurance?

Yes, you can use your HSA on spouse and dependents.

What happens to money in HSA if not used?

Unspent HSA funds roll over from year to year. You can hold and add to the tax-free savings to pay for medical care later. HSAs may earn interest that can't be taxed.

Can I Use My HSA For My Spouse?

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Can I ever cash out my HSA?

As a practical matter, you are allowed to withdraw funds from your HSA at any time for any reason. But if you aren't using the funds to cover a qualified medical expense, then you'll be stuck paying a penalty tax.

Can I use HSA for gym membership?

Gym memberships. While some companies and private insurers may offer discounts on gym memberships, you generally can't use your FSA or HSA account to pay for gym or health club memberships. An exception to that rule would be if your doctor deems fitness medically necessary for your recovery or treatment.

How does HSA work for married couples?

As it stands, two spouses may not both contribute to a single HSA via payroll deduction. Both spouses may contribute to their individual accounts via payroll deduction and then use funds from either HSA to pay for each other's medical expenses.

Can I cash out my HSA when I leave my job?

Yes, you can cash out your HSA at any time. However, any funds withdrawn for costs other than qualified medical expenses will result in the IRS imposing a 20% tax penalty. If you leave your job, you don't have to cash out your HSA.

Can HSA be used for dental?

Yes, you can use a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) for dental expenses.

Can I change my HSA from individual to family?

Changes in status, such as marriage or a birth of a child, could change your coverage from individual to family or, in the cases of divorce or death of a spouse, from family to individual.

How much should I put in my HSA per paycheck?

You can start small, perhaps setting aside $25 to $50 per paycheck. Consider also trying to cut back on non-essential spending, such as foregoing one of your app subscriptions, reducing meals out or making your morning cup at home versus going to a coffee shop.

How long does HSA transfer take?

How long will an HSA transfer take? It may take 2–5 weeks or, in some cases, more, depending on how quickly your current HSA provider responds. If any of your HSA money is invested, your current HSA may be held in 2 separate accounts which are both eligible to be transferred.

How do I move an HSA account?

You contact your current HSA provider and request it send you a check or direct deposit of your funds, so you can set up an HSA rollover. Then you have 60 days to deposit those funds into your new HSA account. If you fail to do so, the IRS will levy income tax on the amount you rolled over, plus a 20% penalty.

Can I use my HSA for my domestic partner?

Example: (Domestic Partner) Employee A has a domestic partner. Family limit of $6,750; however, HSA dollars must only be used for the employee, as pre-tax dollars cannot be used for the domestic partner, who is not an IRS recognized tax dependent.

Can I use my HSA for my dog?

The short answer is yes, you can use your HSA for veterinary expenses. Under current IRS guidelines, eligible medical expenses include those that are primarily for the prevention or alleviation of a physical or mental defect or illness.

What is the 12 month rule for HSA?

It means you must remain eligible for the HSA until December 31 of the following year. The only exceptions are death or disability. If you violate the testing period requirement, your ineligible contributions become taxable income.

What happens to HSA if you don't use it?

Myth #2: If I don't spend all my funds this year, I lose it. Reality: HSA funds never expire. When it comes to the HSA, there's no use-it-or-lose-it rule. Unlike Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds, you keep your HSA dollars forever, even if you change employers, health plans, or retire.

What happens to my HSA if I get laid off?

If you leave your job, your health savings account (HSA) and all the money in it are yours. You can use the money to pay for qualified medical expenses anytime.

Can my husband use his HSA on me?

Yes, as long as you use the funds to pay for qualified medical expenses, you can pay for any family member who is a tax dependent on your tax return.

Can I use my HSA for glasses?

Both FSA and HSA pre-tax health accounts can be used to pay for prescription glasses, contact lenses, eye exams and more. Eyewear that corrects your vision is considered a medical product, which means you can use your health plans to help cover the cost.

Can you and your spouse have separate HSA?

No, the FHSA is an individual savings plan only. However, if you buy your property with your spouse, you can combine both of your FHSA accounts. The lifetime contribution limit of $40,000 applies to everyone.

Is an Apple Watch HSA eligible?

Even though Fitbits and Apple Watches measure important health data, they currently do not qualify for HSA reimbursement, as they are considered for general health use and not intended to treat or manage a specific medical condition.

Can I use HSA for vitamins?

In general, vitamins are not considered an HSA eligible expense unless they are prescribed by a doctor for a specific medical condition. For example, if your doctor prescribes prenatal vitamins during pregnancy or recommends vitamin D supplements to treat a deficiency, those could be eligible expenses under your HSA.

Can HSA pay for massage?

Your HSA can pay for massage therapy, though you'll likely need a letter of medical necessity (LMN) from your doctor. An LMN states what condition the treatment is for, how many sessions you need, and any other relevant details. An HSA may also be used on alternative or holistic treatments, such as: Massage therapy.