Can I use money from my HSA account to pay for Medicare premiums?
Asked by: Ms. Carolanne Rath | Last update: October 18, 2025Score: 5/5 (63 votes)
Can you pay Medicare premiums with HSA funds?
You can use your HSA to pay certain Medicare expenses, including premiums for Part A, Part B, Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D prescription drug coverage, but not supplemental (Medigap) policy premiums.
Why do you have to stop HSA contributions 6 months before Medicare?
This is because when you enroll in Medicare Part A, you receive up to six months of retroactive coverage, not going back farther than your initial month of eligibility. If you do not stop HSA contributions at least six months before Medicare enrollment, you may incur a tax penalty.
Can I use HSA to pay premiums?
You generally can't use HSA funds to pay premiums. Once you turn 65, you can use the money in your HSA for anything you want. If you don't use it for qualified medical expenses, it counts as income when you file your taxes. Six months before you retire or get Medicare benefits, you must stop contributing to your HSA.
Can I use my HSA to pay health insurance premiums if I retire early?
If you pay for your medical expenses out of pocket now, you'll have more saved in your HSA account to help pay for medical expenses once you retire. If you retire before age 65 and you aren't yet eligible for Medicare, you can use money in your HSA to pay your medical coverage premiums.
What Are HSA Qualified Medical Expenses? - InsuranceGuide360.com
What is the HSA account loophole?
The ultimate loophole available to almost everyone under the age of 65 in our tax code is the Health Savings Account (HSA). It is the only account you can contribute to and deduct the contribution and then withdraw the money tax free. Think about that, a tax deduction going in and no taxes going out.
How much can I contribute to my HSA the year I go on Medicare?
Due to IRS rules, once you enroll in Medicare you are no longer allowed to contribute to an HSA. BenefitWallet® created the following information to determine when you should cease contributing to your HSA and how you should manage and use the account going forward.
What is the downside of an HSA?
Drawbacks of HSAs include tax penalties for nonmedical expenses before age 65, and contributions made to the HSA within six months of applying for Social Security benefits may be subject to penalties. HSAs have fewer limitations and more tax advantages than flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
Can you 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.
Can I use HSA money to pay off old medical bills?
No. You cannot reimburse qualified medical expenses incurred before your account was established. As soon as your account is opened and there is money in it, you can use the account for eligible expenses incurred any time after your account opening date.
What is the penalty for HSA after 65?
At age 65, you can take penalty-free distributions from the HSA for any reason. However, in order to be both tax-free and penalty-free the distribution must be for a qualified medical expense. Withdrawals made for other purposes will be subject to ordinary income taxes.
What is the 6 month rule for Medicare?
You can sign up for Part A any time after you turn 65. Your Part A coverage starts 6 months back from when you sign up or when you apply for benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board). Coverage can't start earlier than the month you turned 65.
What happens to HSA if you don't use it all?
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.
Do you have to stop HSA contributions 6 months before Medicare?
Since you will be older than 65 when applying for Medicare, you will need to stop HSA contributions 6 months before applying. Behind the scenes, Medicare Part A has a 6-month retroactive start date. And therefore, contributions to an HSA become ineligible six months before filing the application.
Can I get reimbursed for Medicare premiums?
If you or your dependents are eligible for Medicare Part B reimbursement, CalPERS will automatically reimburse the eligible amount of the standard Medicare Part B premium, beginning the date of your enrollment into a CalPERS Medicare health plan.
Can I use my HSA for non medical expenses?
When health savings accounts aren't used for their intended purposes, account holders are often assessed penalties. When an account holder under the age of 65 uses their health savings account's funds for non-medical expenses, they have to pay income tax on the money spent plus a 20-percent penalty.
Can I use HSA for Tylenol?
Yes. You can buy OTC medicine such as Tylenol and Tums with your FSA or HSA. But this hasn't always been the case. OTC medications previously did not count as qualified medical expenses for HSAs unless you had a prescription.
Can I buy Metamucil with HSA?
Yes, Metamucil is eligible for reimbursement with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). Metamucil® 3-in-1 Fiber Supplement Capsules, 160 ct.
What can I use my HSA for Blue Cross Blue Shield?
- Doctor and hospital visits.
- Copays and coinsurance.
- Prescriptions.
- Some over-the-counter medications like pain relievers, allergy relief, cough suppressants, etc.
- Feminine hygiene products.
- Dental and vision care, including prescription eyeglasses.
- Health insurance or medical expenses if unemployed.
What insurance premiums can be paid with HSA funds?
You can use your HSA to pay for premiums on long term care insurance, COBRA (health insurance you might use if you become unemployed), and even Medicare if you are age 65 or older.
Can I use HSA for dental?
Your HSA also covers expenses for standard dental cleanings and dental check-ups. One thing to keep in mind is that some of these procedures may have a co-payment, so it's important that you check with your dental insurance provider to find out exactly what you'll have to pay out of pocket.
Can I withdraw money from my HSA?
When can I withdraw money from my HSA? You can withdraw money at any time if it's used for qualified medical expenses. However, if you withdraw money for other purposes, your withdrawal will be subject to income tax (if the contribution was pre-tax) and a 20% penalty.
Can I use HSA to pay Medicare premiums?
You can even use your HSA to pay for some Medicare expenses including your Medicare Part B, Part D and Medicare Advantage plan premiums, deductibles, copays and coinsurance. Note: HSA funds cannot be used to pay for Medigap premiums.
What happens to HSA after 65?
One benefit of the HSA is that after you turn age 65, you can withdraw money from your HSA for any reason without incurring a tax penalty. You are, however, subject to normal income tax on any non-qualified withdrawals.
Does HSA reduce Social Security benefits?
HSAs can reduce taxable income in retirement, which may affect Medicare premiums and the portion of Social Security benefits subject to federal income tax.