How much can you contribute to an HSA in the year you turn 65?

Asked by: Dr. Roxanne Hettinger  |  Last update: October 7, 2023
Score: 4.4/5 (51 votes)

Your maximum contribution is determined by adjusting the HSA maximum in accordance with how many months of the year that you were eligible. For example, if you turn 65 in April, you were eligible for the first three months of the year. You can then contribute 3/12 of the HSA annual contribution maximum.

Can I contribute to an HSA if I turn 65 this year?

You can make an HSA contribution after you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare, if you have not maximized your contribution for your last year of HSA eligibility. You have until April 15 of the year following the tax year you lose HSA eligibility to make your HSA contribution.

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.

When should I stop contributing to my HSA before Medicare?

If you apply after that time, you should plan to stop depositing funds to your HSA up to six months prior to signing up for Medicare because you could face penalties if you continue to contribute. Decide when you plan to retire and when you plan to sign up for Medicare; those may not be the same date.

How much can I contribute to my HSA the year I start Medicare?

However, after you sign up for Medicare, you can't make new contributions nor can your employer add to your HSA. You must stop contributing to an HSA beginning the first month you're enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B, even if you also have a high-deductible health insurance policy through work.

Medicare’s Tricky Rules on HSAs After Age 65

32 related questions found

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 you contribute to an HSA if you receive Social Security?

However, if they elect to begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits, enrollment in Medicare Part A coverage is automatic and mandatory. Once that coverage begins, the person is no longer permitted to continue HSA contributions.

What is the 6 month rule for Medicare and HSA?

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.

What happens when an HSA holder who is 65 years old decides to use the money in the account?

Once you are 65, you can withdraw funds for any reason without paying a penalty, but they will be subject to ordinary income tax. For any reason, but if you are under age 65 and use your HSA funds for nonqualified expenses, you will need to pay taxes on the money you withdraw, as well as an additional 20% penalty.

Can you contribute to an HSA if you are no longer employed?

∎ Can I contribute to an HSA even if I'm not employed: You do not have to have a job or earned income from employment to be eligible for an HSA – in other words, the money can be from your own personal savings, income from dividends, unemployment, etc.

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.)

What happens to your HSA when you retire?

20% tax penalty doesn't apply – Prior to retirement, using your HSA funds for non-medical expenses requires you to pay income tax plus a 20% penalty. After you turn 65 that 20% penalty no longer applies, allowing you to use your HSA funds however you want.

How much should I have in my HSA at retirement?

The Bottom Line. According to the Fidelity Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate, couples who retired at age 65 in 2021 could need roughly $300,000 in savings (after tax) to pay for healthcare expenses in their golden years. Contributing to an HSA can help you plan and save for these expenses.

Can a retired person put money in an HSA?

When retiring early you can continue contributing to an HSA as long as you meet the requirements: You are not yet enrolled in Medicare. You're covered on a high-deductible health plan. You're not someone's tax dependent.

Can you use your HSA as a retirement account?

In addition to using an HSA for medical expenses, it can also be used as another way to save for retirement. Once you reach age 65, money held in an HSA can be withdrawn and used for any reason, the only catch being that you'll pay ordinary income taxes on withdrawals not used for qualified medical expenses.

Can my spouse contribute to an 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.

Does HSA cover monthly premiums?

By using untaxed dollars in a Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and some other expenses, you may be able to lower your overall health care costs. HSA funds generally may not be used to pay premiums.

What is the 12th month rule for HSA?

"Under the Last Month Rule, if an individual is eligible on the first day of the last month of the tax year (December 1 for most taxpayers), he or she is considered an eligible individual for the entire year.

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.

How much can I contribute to my HSA?

HSA contribution limits for 2024

The maximum contribution for self-only coverage is $4,150. The maximum contribution for family coverage is $8,300. Those age 55 and older can make an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution.

What is the average balance in an HSA account?

If you're unsure of where to start, try working with a financial advisor. 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.

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.

What disqualifies you from having an HSA?

The HSA rules do not provide an exception for Medicaid. Medicare. Medicare enrollment, not eligibility, disqualifies a person from HSA contributions, starting on the first of the month in which Medicare begins. Age-based, disability-based, and end-stage renal disease-based Medicare all make one HSA ineligible.

Are vitamins HSA eligible?

With this IRS definition in mind, while daily multivitamins are not FSA/HSA eligible, there are some types of vitamins that are eligible with consumer-directed healthcare accounts and others that may be eligible with proper documentation from a physician.

Does an HSA affect credit score?

Can a Health Savings Account Affect Your Credit Score? As with other checking, savings and investment accounts, an HSA won't directly impact your credit scores. Your credit report won't even include these accounts or their balances.