Does HSA affect Social Security?

Asked by: Ivy Wintheiser  |  Last update: December 5, 2023
Score: 4.8/5 (40 votes)

HSAs can reduce taxable income in retirement, which may affect Medicare premiums and the portion of Social Security benefits subject to federal income tax.

When should I stop contributing to HSA before Medicare?

If you do not stop HSA contributions at least six months before Medicare enrollment, you may incur a tax penalty.

What happens to HSA benefits after age 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 penalty for having an HSA and Medicare?

However, if you save to an HSA while you're enrolled in Medicare, you may be hit with IRS penalties on what are considered “excess contributions,” including a 6% excise tax charge. This applies to the six-month look-back period for HSA contributions when you sign up for Medicare past age 65.

What are the negatives of an HSA account?

The main downside of an HSA is that you must have a high-deductible health insurance plan to get one. A health insurance deductible is the amount of money you must pay out of pocket each year before your insurance plan benefits begin.

How Medicare and Social Security Can Affect Your HSA Plans

31 related questions found

Why not spend money in HSA?

But remember, HSA stands for Health Savings Account, and the opportunity to save and build your balance over time is one of the important features of your account. If you don't spend the money in your account, it will carryover year after year. Your HSA can be used now, next year or even when you're retired.

Do I ever lose my HSA money?

With an HSA, there's no “use it or lose it” provision. This is one of the primary differences between an HSA and an FSA. If you put money in your HSA and then don't withdraw it, it will remain in the account and be available to you in future years.

Can I contribute to an HSA once I turn 65?

If you are not enrolled in Medicare and are otherwise HSA eligible, you can continue to contribute to an HSA after age 65. You are also allowed to contribute the $1,000 catch-up. If you signed up for Medicare Part A and now want to decline it, you can do so by contacting the Social Security Administration.

Can I use money from my HSA account to pay for Medicare premiums?

The good news: You can keep using your HSA funds

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.

Can my spouse contribute to my HSA if I am on Medicare?

Yes, being eligible to contribute to the HSA is determined by the status of the HSA account holder not the dependents of the account holder. Your spouse being on Medicare does not disqualify you from continuing contributions to the HSA up to the family limit, even if they are also covered by the HDHP.

What is the 6 month rule for Medicare and HSA?

Under current regulations, individuals who apply for Medicare Part A or Part B after reaching age 65 are automatically given six months of retroactive health coverage, which invalidates their ability to make or receive HSA contributions for any of those months they were deemed to be covered.

Is HSA tax free after retirement?

HSA Withdrawals

After age 65 you can withdraw money from an HSA for any reason without incurring a penalty. However, if you spend the money on non-medical expenses you will have to pay taxes on your withdrawals in the same manner that you would with an IRA or a 401(k) plan.

What happens to unused HSA funds after death?

ANSWER: Upon the death of an HSA account holder, any amounts remaining in the HSA transfer to the beneficiary named in the HSA beneficiary designation form. (If a beneficiary is not named, the funds transfer according to the terms of the HSA trust or custodial account agreement.)

Should I use HSA before retirement?

You can use your HSA with other retirement accounts to maximize your after-tax retirement income. Saving in an HSA for retirement gives you a tax-advantaged account dedicated to future medical expenses — allowing you the opportunity to avoid dipping into retirement accounts intended for cost-of-living expenses.

Is Medicare going up in 2023?

For 2023, the Part A deductible will be $1,600 per stay, an increase of $44 from 2022. For those people who have not worked long enough to qualify for premium-free Part A, the monthly premium will also rise. The full Part A premium will be $506 a month in 2023, a $7 increase.

How much will Part B go up in 2023?

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that the standard monthly Part B premium will be $164.90 in 2023, a decrease of $5.20 from $170.10 in 2022.

What is cost for Medicare Part B?

If you don't buy Part A when you're first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65), you might pay a penalty. Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($164.90 in 2023). Social Security will tell you the exact amount you'll pay for Part B in 2023.

What is the maximum HSA contribution in the year I turn 65?

2023 HSA contribution limits

The HSA contribution limits for 2023 are $3,850 for self-only coverage and $7,750 for family coverage. Those 55 and older can contribute an additional $1,000 as a catch-up contribution.

Can I use HSA for dental?

You can also use HSAs to help pay for dental care. While dental insurance can help cover costs, an HSA can also help cover any out-of-pocket expenses resulting from dental care and procedures.

How long can money stay in an HSA?

All of the money in an HSA (including any contributions deposited by an employer) is owned by the employee even if they leave their job, lose their qualifying coverage or retire. The money in an HSA never expires. Unlike flexible spending accounts (FSAs), all remaining HSA funds roll over each year.

Can you have too much money in HSA?

Putting too much money in your HSA can happen, but the IRS isn't happy when it happens. In fact, you'll be penalized for it unless you catch it and fix it.

Can I pay medical bills with HSA?

You can use your health savings account (HSA) to pay for qualified medical expenses for yourself, your spouse and your eligible dependents. And you save on every item because qualified purchases are never taxed. Plus, you can pay using your HSA so you know you're saving smart.

Can I use HSA money for anything?

If you have money in your HSA when you turn 65, you can spend it on anything you want — but if you aren't spending it for a qualified medical expense it will be taxed as income at your then current tax rate. You can use HSA funds to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other qualified medical expenses.

Should I put my HSA in a trust?

Depending on the type of trust you have, there are many assets you can put in a trust, including your bank accounts, real estate property, and insurance policies. There are also several things that generally shouldn't be included in your trust plans, like retirement accounts, everyday vehicles, and HSAs.

Does HSA avoid Social Security tax?

HSAs are considered a unique savings vehicle since it's one of the only tax-advantaged accounts that offers financial benefits to both employees and employers. Companies that offer HSAs don't have to pay FICA taxes on any pre-tax contributions from the employer or the employee.