Can I use my HSA to pay for Medicare Part B premiums?
Asked by: Enoch Goyette | Last update: November 30, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (29 votes)
Can I use HSA to pay Medicare Part B?
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.
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.
Why do I 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 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.
Retirement Q&A: Using HSA for Medicare Part B Premiums
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.
What is the penalty for having an HSA and Medicare part A?
There are no penalties or repercussions and you are free to reapply for Part A at any future date. If you have applied for or are receiving Social Security benefits, which automatically entitle you to Part A, you cannot continue to contribute to your HSA.
Is HSA worth it for seniors?
Knowing that Medicare will only pay approximately 66%* of your health care costs in retirement, it may be a good idea to set aside money in your HSA for your retirement years.
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 is the Medicare Part B premium for 2024?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that the standard monthly Part B premium will be $185.00 in 2025, an increase of $10.30 from $174.70 in 2024.
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).
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.
Can I use HSA for glasses?
Yes! You can definitely use funds from your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to purchase prescription glasses. (FSAs and HSAs can be used for many other vision- and eye health-related expenses, too, but we'll discuss that more in a bit.)
Does everyone pay $170 for Medicare Part B?
Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.
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.
Why is Social Security no longer paying Medicare Part B?
There could be several reasons why Social Security stopped withholding your Medicare Part B premium. One common reason is that your income has exceeded the threshold for premium assistance. Another reason could be that there was a mistake or error in your records.
Can I drop my employer health insurance and go on Medicare Part B?
Once you stop working (or lose your health insurance, if that happens first) you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) when you can sign up for Medicare (or add Part B to existing Part A coverage).
What is the 2 2 2 rule in Medicare?
Introduced in the Fiscal Year 2014 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) Final Rule, the two-midnight rule specifies that Medicare will pay for inpatient hospital admissions when a physician reasonably expects the patient's care to require a stay that crosses two midnights, and the medical record supports this ...
What is the best supplemental insurance for Medicare?
- Best for extra plan benefits: Humana.
- Best for straightforward coverage: State Farm.
- Best for extensive medical care coverage: AARP by UnitedHealthcare.
- Best for a range of Medigap plans: Blue Cross Blue Shield.
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.
When should I stop HSA 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 you 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.
At what age can you no longer contribute to an HSA?
You lose eligibility as of the first day of the month you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare. Example. Sally turns 65 on July 21 and enrolls in Medicare. She is no longer eligible to contribute to her HSA as of July 1.
What is considered a high deductible health plan in 2024?
For calendar year 2024, a “high deductible health plan” is defined under § 223(c)(2)(A) as a health plan with an annual deductible that is not less than $1,600 for self-only coverage or $3,200 for family coverage, and for which the annual out-of-pocket expenses (deductibles, co-payments, and other amounts, but not ...
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.