Does Medicare penalize you for having an HSA?
Asked by: Mr. Prince Runolfsson Sr. | Last update: November 6, 2023Score: 4.3/5 (4 votes)
There's no penalty for having an already established HSA when you're enrolled in Medicare, although you can no longer set up a new HSA. 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.
Is there a penalty for HSA contributions while on Medicare?
Your contributions after you're enrolled in Medicare might be considered “excess” by the IRS. Excess contributions will be taxed an additional 6% when you withdraw them. You'll pay back taxes plus an additional 10% tax if you enroll in Medicare during your HSA testing period.
Can I continue to contribute to my HSA after age 65?
If you are not enrolled in Medicare and are otherwise HSA eligible, you can continue to contribute to an HSA after age 65.
What disqualifies you from having an HSA?
If you enroll in Social Security you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A, which will disqualify you from contributing to an HSA. You can delay enrollment in Medicare Part A only if you delay taking Social Security. You can delay taking Social Security up until age 70 and one half years old.
What is the penalty for HSA funds?
Prior to age 65, if you use your money for non-qualified expenses, the IRS imposes a hefty HSA withdrawal penalty of 20 percent on the amount withdrawn.
What Happens to Your Health Savings Account (HSA) with Medicare
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 is the HSA reimbursement loophole?
Again, you don't have to reimburse yourself for those medical expenses in the same year, or the same plan year that you incur those medical expenses. If you incur that medical expense, you can just write it down. And then you can reimburse yourself from the HSA at a later date.
What happens if you don't report HSA?
You must self-report any non-qualifying purchases on the Health Savings Account screen. Not claiming the non-qualifying expenses may lead to an audit, and you'll be subject to penalties and fines.
What are the rules for having an HSA?
- You are covered under a high deductible health plan (HDHP), described later, on the first day of the month.
- You have no other health coverage except what is permitted under Other health coverage, later.
Why is my HSA being taxed?
If your funds are used for non-eligible expenditures, you may be subjected to income tax plus a 20% IRS penalty. However, that doesn't mean you should neglect your HSA. After age 65, you are allowed to withdraw from your account penalty-free for non-eligible expenses, as long as you report it as income on your taxes.
Do HSA contributions 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.
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 you be on Medicare and have a flexible spending account?
If you're still working when you become eligible for Medicare and keep your employer-sponsored insurance, you can continue contributing to and using your FSA in that calendar year. But remember: you won't be able to roll over most of your funds once the year ends, so keep an eye on your balance.
Is there a 6 excise tax on excess HSA contributions?
Generally, the IRS penalty equals 6 percent of your excess contributions. For example, if you have a $100 excess contribution, your fine would be $6.00. If you contributed $1,000 over, it would be $60. This penalty is called an “excise tax,” and applies to each tax year the excess contribution remains in your account.
Can I open a health savings account on my own?
Can I open my own health savings account if my employer doesn't offer one? Yes, you can open a health savings account (HSA) even if your employer doesn't offer one. But you can make current-year contributions only if you are covered by an HSA-qualified health plan, also known as a high-deductible health plan (HDHP).
Can you keep an HSA forever?
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.
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.
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.
Does the IRS audit HSA accounts?
However, total withdrawals from your HSA are reported to the IRS on Form 1099-SA. You are responsible for reporting qualified and non-qualified withdrawals when completing your taxes. You are also responsible for saving all receipts as verification of expenses in the case of an IRS audit.
Do you have to report HSA to IRS?
You must file Form 8889 if any of the following applies. You (or someone on your behalf, including your employer) made contributions for 2022 to your HSA. You received HSA distributions in 2022. You must include certain amounts in income because you failed to be an eligible individual during the testing period.
Should I close my empty HSA?
But that does not mean you should close your HSA!
But if it's not an earth-shattering emergency, you're probably better off keeping your HSA. If you close your HSA and withdraw all the money, you're going to have to pay income tax on the withdrawal, plus a 20% additional tax if you're under age 65.
How can I get money out of my HSA without penalty?
After age 65, you can use your HSA withdrawal for non-medical expenses without paying the 20% tax penalty. New flat screen TV? Beach house deposit? Check, check… But only once you turn 65.
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.
What happens if you break HSA rules?
If you don't, you may end up paying income tax plus a 20% IRS penalty on any expenses deemed ineligible—whether because you broke the rules or just didn't have the right records. So, the first step of keeping your HSA records in order comes before you even make any payments out of your HSA.
Is the Flex card for seniors legit?
While the Medicare Flex Card itself is a legitimate program, many of the advertisements out there are very misleading about what you actually get. Some of the marketing material out there sells the Flex card Medicare program as much more than it actually offers.