Should I get HSA with newborn?

Asked by: Verona Spencer  |  Last update: November 13, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (16 votes)

Revisit your insurance plan and HSA. If after reviewing your plan you come to find your current plan doesn't suit your new goals and needs, you can switch up your healthcare plan. Premiums usually go up with a child, so it would be worth looking into an HSA if you switch before the birth.

Is HSA good for having a baby?

I know I'm late to the party here, but you can likely use your HSA to purchase non prescription, HSA eligible items for your girlfriend and baby. Things like a breast pump and the associated accessories, pelvic support garments, prenatal vitamins, and other items.

Is PPO or HSA better for having a baby?

Generally, HSA is better for anyone with very high healthcare costs, and anyone with very low healthcare costs. There is a small percentage of people with middling healthcare costs that benefit from the PPO, but it's a very specific middle number. You're probably better with the HSA if you're planning to have a baby.

What are the disadvantages of an HSA?

Disadvantages of a health savings account

Nonmedical expense penalties: Prior to age 65, HSA funds withdrawn to pay for nonmedical expenses are considered taxable income. The IRS also levies a 20 percent penalty.

Can I use my HSA card for my baby?

Yes. As long as I claim the child as a dependent under my taxes, I can then use my HSA for the baby's expenses.

Four Things to Know About Baby HSAs

34 related questions found

Can I buy baby diapers with my HSA card?

Although diapers are not currently eligible for HSA reimbursement, it is important to note that HSAs are designed to help individuals save for qualified medical expenses. These expenses typically include doctor visits, prescription medications, and medical procedures.

Is an HSA worth it?

One of the biggest advantages of an HSA is that it offers a triple tax advantage, which means: Contributions to an HSA are federally tax-deductible, reducing your taxable income. Depending on where you live, you may also get a break on state income taxes. Assets in an HSA can potentially grow federal tax-free.

When should you not use 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.

Is it better to pay out-of-pocket or use HSA?

Use HSA funds to pay for emergency medical costs.

A better option is to pay with other funds and keep track of expenses. Medical claims never expire, so money can be withdrawn tax-free in retirement in order to reimburse medical expenses that were paid out-of-pocket years before.

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.

Is it better to have a high deductible or low deductible plan for baby?

After your baby is born, you can add your newborn to your plan and switch to a less expensive plan with a higher deductible if you don't typically go to the doctor very often. Pro tip: If you qualify for a cost-sharing reduction, you can find Silver plans with low deductibles and reduced out-of-pocket maximums.

Who benefits most from HSA?

For those who choose high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), an HSA has real advantages. It can offset your medical costs, reduce your taxes, and give you a long-term tax-advantaged savings account. An HDHP isn't the best option for everyone, but having one is the only way to get access to an HSA account.

What kind of insurance is best for pregnancy?

If you have concerns about being able to pay for insurance, options for insurance during pregnancy include Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
  • All prenatal care visits with no co-pay. ...
  • Labor and birth services.
  • Breastfeeding help with no co-pay. ...
  • Birth Control.

Does my HSA cover baby formula?

Infant Formula: HSA Eligibility

Infant formula is typically not eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Are prenatal massages covered by HSA?

Under IRS guidelines, prenatal massage can be a qualified medical expense using a Healthcare Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) if your healthcare provider recommends it with a written prescription. To find out more, talk with your HSA or FSA administrator and your healthcare provider.

Should I get a PPO or HSA if I'm pregnant?

Since pregnancy and childbirth bring hefty costs, a lower-deductible PPO plan may be a more affordable option.

What are the disadvantages of HSA?

HSA Cons. The big drawback of an HSA is that you have to sign up with a high deductible health plan to be eligible for one. It is difficult to forecast medical expenses accurately.

Can I use HSA for diapers?

Does FSA / HSA Cover Pediatric Diapers? Unfortunately, pediatric diapers like Pampers don't qualify as eligible expenses through an FSA or HSA.

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.

How much should I put in my HSA per paycheck?

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.

What happens to money in HSA if not used?

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.

Can I use my HSA to pay for my girlfriend?

The only time you can use your HSA to pay for the healthcare costs of a friend is if you have named that person as a dependent on your most recent tax return (provided that they qualify under the non-relative qualifications — detailed below).

Is HSA worth it for pregnancy?

The costs of getting pregnant

Need a little extra help getting pregnant? Good news. Fertility treatments for the account holder and covered dependents are HSA (and FSA and if the plan allows, HRA) eligible, which is a major benefit, since the average cost of in vitro fertilization in the U.S. is $15,000-$20,000.

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.

Is an HSA a good idea for a family?

While many families with children can benefit from an HSA, other health care options you or your spouse's employer offers could be better. Healthcare decisions also change from year to year. A plan that includes an HSA could be the best option one year and another option could be best for another year.