What do I do if I have an HSA but do not qualify?

Asked by: Jeramie Abshire  |  Last update: November 2, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (31 votes)

Regardless of the reason you're ineligible, you can still use your HSA to pay for qualified medical expenses. And if you do so, those distributions will remain tax-free. However, once the money is gone, you'll no longer be able to make contributions to the account. You can also still invest the money in your HSA.

What happens if you contribute to HSA but not eligible?

If you are no longer enrolled in an HSA-eligible health plan during that year, you then must pay income taxes—as well as a 10% penalty—on any excess contributions you made when you file your tax return.

What does it mean when a health plan is not HSA eligible?

You can only receive free preventive care, such as getting a physical, cancer screenings or immunizations, before meeting the annual deductible. In other words, if a health plan pays for other services, such as doctor visits or prescription drugs, before you meet the deductible, it's not HSA-qualified.

Can I contribute to an HSA if I don't have a high deductible plan?

While you can use the funds in an HSA at any time to pay for qualified medical expenses, you may contribute to an HSA only if you have a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) — generally a health plan (including a Marketplace plan) that only covers preventive services before the deductible.

Can I contribute to an HSA if my employer doesn't offer one?

The short answer is: Yes! Unlike FSAs, which require an employer's sponsorship, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are available to everyone, regardless of employment status. To contribute to an HSA, you must be actively enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and it must be your only health insurance coverage.

What Should You Do If Your Employer Doesn't Offer an HSA?! #AskTheMoneyGuy

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Do I have to pay back HSA if I quit my job?

If the person leaves their job, the HSA (and any money in it) goes with the employee. They are free to continue using the money for medical expenses and/or move it to another HSA custodian.

What if my employer over contributes to my HSA?

Excess contributions aren't deductible. Excess contributions made by your employer are included in your gross income. If the excess contribution isn't included in box 1 of Form W-2, you must report the excess as “Other income” on your tax return. Generally, you must pay a 6% excise tax on excess contributions.

When should I stop contributing to my HSA?

3 times it's okay to stop funding your HSA
  1. Your financial situation has changed. ...
  2. You're getting close to age 65 or you're no longer eligible. ...
  3. You've hit the max contribution limit.

Can you contribute to an HSA without a medical plan?

You can only contribute to your HSA when you're enrolled in a qualified high deductible health plan with no other coverage that disqualifies you. Anyone can contribute to your HSA, like household members, friends, and employers. The table below shows the maximum amounts you can put into an HSA in 2022 and 2023.

Is it better to have a HSA or low deductible health plan?

An HSA puts you in control of how and when you spend funds on medical expenses, compared to a low-deductible plan for which more of your money is spent on premiums from which you may not benefit.

Can I pay health insurance premiums with HSA?

Generally, HSAs cannot be used to pay private health insurance premiums, but there are 2 exceptions: paying for health care coverage purchased through an employer-sponsored plan under COBRA, and paying premiums while receiving unemployment compensation.

Does having an HSA count as health insurance?

What is a health savings account? A health savings account is a tax-advantaged personal savings account that works in combination with an HSA-qualified high-deductible health insurance policy (HDHP) to provide both an investment and health coverage.

Do HSA plans have copays?

Receive services. With an HSA-powered plan, no copay is required at the time of service. Be sure to present your insurance ID card. If your health care provider requires a deposit, it will be applied to your invoice.

Can you 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.

What makes a plan HSA eligible 2023?

HSA eligibility requirements

A self-only healthcare plan must have a minimum annual deductible of $1,500 and an annual out-of-pocket limit of $7,500 in 2023 (or $1,600 and $8,050, respectively, in 2024).

Should I stop contributing to my HSA before Medicare?

If you do not stop HSA contributions at least six months before Medicare enrollment, you may incur a tax penalty. If you require counseling around HSAs, consult a tax professional.

Do HSA funds go away?

You can keep your HSA funds for as long as you like. Just be sure to name a beneficiary for your HSA, so it's not part of your estate when you pass away. Before you turn 65, withdrawals from HSAs for non-medical expenses will be charged a 20% penalty and will also be counted as income for tax purposes.

Can you have too much in your HSA?

HSA Contributions Have Annual Limits

For 2022, you are only allowed to deposit $3,650 in your HSA for individual plans ($7,300 for family coverage). You can make an additional $1,000 contribution if you are 55 or older. Deposits that exceed this limit can incur tax penalties and/or IRS fees.

What happens to HSA after termination?

Since your HSA is owned by you and not your employer, your HSA remains available to you even after termination. This means that you can continue to use your HSA for qualified expenses even after your termination.

Why are my HSA contributions being taxed?

Although funds in your HSA are tax-free, tax penalties may arise. There are two primary causes for these tax penalties. Each year, the IRS sets a limit on how much can be contributed to an HSA. If the contributions exceed this limit, then you may be penalized after filing your taxes.

Can a company take back HSA?

General Rule: HSA Contributions are Nonforfeitable

If an employee terminates, the HSA contributions will always remain in the employee's account with no opportunity for the employer to have those funds returned.

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.)

Do I have to spend all my HSA money?

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.

What are the pros and cons of an HSA?

You pay less out-of-pocket due to the lower deductible and copay, but pay more each month in premium. HSA plans generally have lower monthly premiums and a higher deductible. You may pay more out-of-pocket for medical expenses, but you can use your HSA to cover those costs, and you pay less each month for your premium.

Is an HSA better than a PPO?

An HSA is an additional benefit for people with HDHP to save on medical costs. The PPO is a more flexible health insurance plan for people who have doctors and facilities they use that are out-of-network.