What are the rules around HSA?

Asked by: Mr. Levi Gutmann III  |  Last update: October 23, 2023
Score: 5/5 (11 votes)

HSA rules for contributions
  • If you have self-only coverage, you can contribute up to $3,850 ($3,650 for 2022).
  • If you have family coverage, you can contribute up to $7,750 ($7,300 for 2022).
  • If you are age 55 or older, you can contribute an additional $1,000 as a catch-up contribution.

What are the rules for having an HSA?

To be an eligible individual and qualify for an HSA contribution, you must meet the following requirements.
  • 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.

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.

Can you use money in HSA for anything?

You can use HSA funds to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other qualified medical expenses. Withdrawals to pay eligible medical expenses are tax-free. Unspent HSA funds roll over from year to year, allowing you to build tax-free savings to pay for medical care later.

When can I withdraw HSA funds without penalty?

After you reach age 65 or if you become disabled, you can withdraw HSA funds without penalty, but the amounts withdrawn will be taxable as ordinary income if not used for qualified medical expenses. Can I withdraw the funds from my HSA at any time?

What is a Health Savings Account? HSA Explained for Dummies

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

Using HSA funds for non-medical expenses before age 65 can result in the loss of tax-exempt status, income tax obligations, and an additional 20% tax penalty. So, once an individual reaches age 65, they can utilize the funds for general non-medical purposes without penalties, although income taxes still apply.

Can I ever cash out my HSA?

Yes. You can take money out any time tax-free and without penalty as long as it is used to pay for qualified medical expenses. If you take money out for other purposes, however, you will pay income taxes on the withdrawal plus a 20% tax penalty.

Can I use my HSA for groceries?

Food is not eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).

Can I use HSA for glasses?

Yes! You can definitely use funds from your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to purchase prescription glasses. (FSAs and HSAs can be used for many other vision- and eye health-related expenses, too, but we'll discuss that more in a bit.)

Can I buy vitamins with HSA?

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.

Do you have to prove HSA expenses?

Is there an expense verification process like an FSA or HRA? Verification of expenses is not required for HSAs. 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.

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.

What is the last 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. HSA accountholders may utilize the Last Month Rule to make a full HSA contribution for that year.

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.

Can you use HSA for gym membership?

Physical therapy is an approved medical expense. Can I use my HSA for a gym membership? Typically no. Unless you have a letter from your doctor stating that the membership is necessary to treat an injury or underlying health condition, such as obesity, a gym membership isn't a qualifying medical expense.

How much money can you keep in an HSA account?

You can only contribute a certain amount to your HSA each year, but all contributions roll over from year to year. In 2023, you can contribute up to $3,850 if you have health coverage just for yourself or $7,750 if you have coverage for your family. At age 55, individuals can contribute an additional $1,000.

Does HSA cover dental and vision?

Medical, dental or vision office visits are eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA). Only preventive medical, dental and vision expenses are eligible under a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA).

Does HSA cover eye exams?

Eye exams with a medical professional are eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), or a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA).

Can I use HSA for Botox?

Botox: HSA Eligibility

Botox injections are not eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA) or a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA).

Can I buy toilet paper with HSA card?

Toiletries are not eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA). What are toiletries?

Can I use my HSA for gas?

Fuel is eligible for transportation to and from medical care, up to the allowed mileage rate. Fuel, gasoline for medical care reimbursement is eligible with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Can I use my HSA card at Costco?

Costco accepts a limited number of cards at the main checkout lanes, but they'll let you pay for eligible items with your HSA/FSA card at the Pharmacy or Optical counters. So to use your FSA or HSA cards at Costco, just bypass the regular checkout lines and visit the Pharmacy or Optical department instead.

How do I turn my HSA into cash?

You can submit a withdrawal request form to receive funds (cash) from your HSA. If the cash is used to pay for ineligible purchases, it must be reported when you're filing your taxes. Once it's reported, it's subject to an income tax and treated as though it had never been in your tax-free HSA.

How do I prove HSA expenses?

Hold on to any insurance carrier's Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statement that documents your expenses for services covered under your HSA-eligible health plan. Keep receipts for all other items purchased with your HSA, for example, vision and dental services.

Can I withdraw money from my HSA after age 65?

(1) Penalty Free Withdrawals.

At age 65, you are eligible to take money out of your HSA for any reason.