How do I use unused HSA funds?

Asked by: Prof. Stewart Hane  |  Last update: November 6, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (26 votes)

Any unused funds may be used to pay for future qualified medical expenses. You can also use your HSA to pay for COBRA and certain Medicare premiums, as well as qualified long-term care premiums, which are subject to annual IRS limits.

What can I do with unused HSA funds?

You can deduct the amount you deposit in an HSA from your taxable income. Unspent HSA funds roll over from year to year. You can hold and add to the tax-free savings to pay for medical care later. HSAs may earn interest that can't be taxed.

What happens to the money in my HSA if I don't use it?

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. Saving in your HSA can help you plan for health expenses you anticipate in the coming years, such as laser eye surgery, braces for your child, or paying Medicare premiums.

How do I spend my remaining HSA money?

17 awesome ways to spend your Health Savings Account
  1. #1 Over-the-counter (OTC) medications. This is probably among the most popular ways to use your HSA. ...
  2. #2 Doctor visits. ...
  3. #3 Telemedicine visits. ...
  4. #4 Healthcare insurance premiums. ...
  5. #5 Women's healthcare products. ...
  6. #6 Dental care. ...
  7. #7 Vision care. ...
  8. #8 Transportation for healthcare.

Is there a way to cash out HSA?

There are several ways you can withdraw funds from your HSA account; in order to be reimbursed for qualified medical expense. (Keep in mind that HSA funds cannot be used for qualified medical expenses that were incurred before their HSA was established.) schedule a withdrawal from your HSA to a personal bank account.

What To Do With Unused HSA Funds? - InsuranceGuide360.com

25 related questions found

Can I transfer money from my HSA to my bank account?

Online Transfers – On HSA Bank's member website, you can reimburse yourself for out-of-pocket expenses by making a one-time or reoccurring online transfer from your HSA to your personal checking or savings account.

How do I withdraw excess money from HSA?

You can take out the excess contribution by making a request with your HSA provider, which may involve filling out a form or two. If you have been contributing to your HSA via payroll, you should also inform your employer. Once you take the money out it will be regular taxable income earned.

How can I use the money in my HSA account?

HSA funds can be spent on current year expenses or saved for future expenses to pay for qualified medical, dental, vision and prescription drug expenses as defined in IRS Publication 502.

Can I use my HSA for gym membership?

Generally, the IRS doesn't allow pretax dollars in HSAs or FSAs for gym memberships. This is because they see them as expenses for general well-being rather than medical necessity. However, with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), your HSA or FSA could be used to fund those expenses.

What happens if I accidentally use my HSA card for non-medical expenses?

You can repay the incorrect distribution before filing your federal taxes for that tax year. However, if you do not correct the mistake, the unqualified amount will be subject to income tax, and you may also face an additional 20% tax penalty.

Can I close my HSA and take the money?

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 much should I have in my HSA at retirement?

The amount of money you should have in your HSA during retirement depends on your healthcare needs and circumstances. According to the Fidelity Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate, a single person who is age 65 in 2023 should aim to have about $157,000 saved (after tax) for healthcare expenses during retirement.

What happens when my HSA is empty?

If you do not have enough money in your HSA to pay for an eligible medical expense you will need to pay for the expense by some other means. Once the money is in your HSA account, you can withdraw the amount that you paid and reimburse yourself.

What happens if I don't use my HSA money?

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.

How do I get my money from old HSA?

How to perform an HSA rollover
  1. Find a new HSA provider. Make sure to evaluate investment options, minimums, and any fees at new HSA providers. ...
  2. Request that your old HSA provider rolls over the cash to your new provider. ...
  3. Keep contributing to and investing through your HSA.

What is the average HSA balance?

What Is the Average HSA Balance By Age? The average HSA balance for a family is about $7,500 and for individuals it is about $4,300. This average jumps up to $12,000 for families who invest in HSAs. Here's a breakdown of the average HSA balance by age.

Can I use HSA for groceries?

No, you can't use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) for straight food purchases like meat, produce and dairy. But you can use them for some nutrition-related products and services. To review, tax-advantaged accounts have regulatory restrictions on eligible products and services.

Is the Apple Watch HSA eligible?

Why other fitness trackers don't qualify. 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.

Can you use your HSA for massages?

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.

How can I cash out my HSA account?

Online Transfer – On HSA Bank's Member Website, you can transfer funds from your HSA to an external bank account, such as a personal checking or savings account. There is a daily transfer limit of $2,500 to safeguard against fraudulent activity.

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 I use my HSA money for other things?

Surprise! You can use your HSA to fund big bills, like braces. It can also help cover routine dental needs, like cleanings and fluoride treatments. Your health insurance might not cover a new pair of eyeglasses or your contact lens solution, but those expenses are qualified.

What do I do if I put too much money in my HSA?

Withdraw your excess health savings account contribution

You can avoid a penalty from the IRS if you take the extra money out before filing your taxes. You also have to remove any interest you made from your excess contributions.

What is the maximum withdrawal from HSA?

The daily debit card limit for the Health Benefits Debit Card is $5,000 at merchants dedicated to healthcare (e.g. a doctor's office or hospital) and $3,500 at merchants that are not healthcare specific but offer eligible medical products and/or services (e.g. a department or grocery store).

What is the last month rule for HSA?

Under the last-month rule, if you are an eligible individual on the first day of the last month of your tax year (December 1 for most taxpayers), you are considered an eligible individual for the entire year.