How do I know if I can have an HSA?

Asked by: Prof. Wilburn Koelpin II  |  Last update: July 23, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (12 votes)

HSA: Eligibility You must participate in a High Deductible Health Plan, have no other insurance coverage other than those specifically allowed, and not be claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax return in order to be eligible for an HSA.

How do I know if I'm eligible for HSA?

To be an eligible individual and qualify for an HSA, the taxpayer must meet the following requirements: Be covered by a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) on the first day of the month. Not be covered by other health insurance (see Publication 969 for exceptions)

What disqualifies you from having an HSA?

If you can receive benefits before that deductible is met, you aren't an eligible individual. Other employee health plans. An employee covered by an HDHP and a health FSA or an HRA that pays or reimburses qualified medical expenses can't generally make contributions to an HSA.

How do I know if I can use my HSA for something?

HSA - You can use your HSA to pay for eligible health care, dental, and vision expenses for yourself, your spouse, or eligible dependents (children, siblings, parents, and others who are considered an exemption under Section 152 of the tax code).

Can I contribute to an HSA if I have no income?

You can contribute to HSA even if you have no income. You cannot contribute to IRA, 401k, or Roth IRA unless you are working. For retirees who live off interest and dividends, HSA contributions can bring down your taxable income. Allowing you to qualify for subsidized health insurance.

The Real TRUTH About An HSA - Health Savings Account Insane Benefits

16 related questions found

When am I not eligible for HSA?

If you or your spouse participates in a Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (Healthcare FSA) or a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) that allows for reimbursement of your medical expenses, you are not eligible to establish a new HSA or make contributions to a current HSA.

How do I know if I can contribute to an HSA?

You can contribute to an HSA only if you have an HSA-eligible plan (also called a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)). HSA-eligible plans: May have lower monthly premiums. Often have higher deductibles.

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).

Is gym membership HSA-eligible?

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.

Are Apple watches 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.

Who should not do an HSA?

HSAs might not make sense if you have some type of chronic medical condition. In that case, you're probably better served by traditional health plans. HSAs might also not be a good idea if you know you will be needing expensive medical care in the near future.

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 proof do I need for HSA?

For FSAs, HSAs, and some HRAs, a detailed provider receipt or itemized cash register receipt is usually sufficient, if it contains all the required information listed above. For some HRAs, an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance company is required.

Is an HSA or FSA better?

Bottom line: Both HSAs and FSAs provide financial benefits for managing health care expenses. HSAs offer more flexibility and long-term growth potential, making them a valuable tool for future financial planning. Learn about HSA options from Aetna.

How do I know if I have a high deductible health plan?

Per IRS guidelines in 2025, an HDHP is a health insurance plan with a deductible of at least $1,650 if you have an individual plan or a deductible of at least $3,300 if you have a family plan.

What is the age cut off for HSA?

When you turn 65 and begin Medicare coverage, you lose HSA eligibility on the first day of that month. For example, if your birthday is April 19, you are no longer eligible to contribute to an HSA as of April 1.

Can I use my HSA for a 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.

Can I pay for my Peloton membership with my HSA?

You can't directly pay for membership costs with your HSA/FSA card, but if you receive a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from Truemed or an applicable licensed medical professional and are eligible for reimbursement, you may be able to apply your HSA/FSA funds to the cost of a Peloton Membership while the LMN is ...

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.

Who qualifies for HSA?

To open an HSA, you must be enrolled in a qualified HDHP, and you cannot be claimed as someone else's dependent on their tax return. You also cannot contribute to an HSA if you have disqualifying additional medical coverage, such as a general-purpose health flexible spending account (FSA), at the same time.

Is it better to have an HSA or copay?

If you don't have an HDHP, have a family, and require frequent diagnostic medical care, a copay plan may be a better option. Neither an HSA or copay plan is better than the other; you just need to decide which plan meets all of your needs and will benefit you the most.

Does HSA really save money?

While you have the flexibility to withdraw as little or as much as you need to help pay for health care expenses, the HSA is really designed to help you save money and build up your balance so that you're prepared for future health care expenses, including in retirement when you're likely to have more medical expenses ...

How do I know if I can open an HSA?

HSA: Eligibility

You must participate in a High Deductible Health Plan, have no other insurance coverage other than those specifically allowed, and not be claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax return in order to be eligible for an HSA.

How much per paycheck should I put in HSA?

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.

Are vitamins HSA-eligible?

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.