What happens to HSA contributions when you go on Medicare?

Asked by: Alyson Hermann  |  Last update: January 22, 2024
Score: 4.9/5 (29 votes)

The month your Medicare begins, your account overseer should change your contribution to your HSA to zero dollars per month. However, you may continue to withdraw money from your HSA after you enroll in Medicare to help pay for medical expenses, such as deductibles, premiums, copayments, and coinsurances.

Do I lose my HSA when I go on Medicare?

Yes. If you are eligible for Medicare but do not actually enroll, you can continue to contribute to your HSA. Once you enroll in any part of Medicare, you will no longer be eligible to contribute to your HSA. Even enrolling in Part A alone will disqualify you from depositing to your HSA.

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.

Why do you have to stop HSA contributions 6 months before Medicare?

But because you are retroactively “enrolled” in Medicare for an extra six months, you could be penalized after the fact if you contribute to your HSA during those months.

Can you make an HSA contribution in the year you turn 65?

Although you are only eligible to contribute for the months preceding your 65th birthday and Medicare enrollment, you typically have until April 15 of the following year (the tax filing deadline) to put the money in the HSA.

What Happens to Your Health Savings Account (HSA) with Medicare

23 related questions found

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.

Can a retiree put money into an HSA?

Provided all eligibility requirements are met, retirees can begin making contributions to their HSA as soon as the account is established or opened. Annual contribution limits are mandated by the Internal Revenue Service and are adjusted annually for inflation.

At what age can you no longer have an HSA?

At age 65, most Americans lose HSA eligibility because they begin Medicare. Final Year's Contribution is Pro-Rata. 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.

What happens to my HSA if I retire before 65?

You are, however, subject to normal income tax on any non-qualified withdrawals. But if you remove money from your HSA before age 65, you are subject to a tax penalty as well as normal income taxes.

When can I take out HSA money without penalty?

One significant perk of an HSA is that once you reach age 65, you can take an HSA distribution for any expense without penalty. The only caveat is that the withdrawal will be taxed like regular income.

Is there a 6 excise tax on excess HSA contributions?

Generally, the IRS penalty equals 6 percent of your excess contributions. For example, if you have a $100 excess contribution, your fine would be $6.00. If you contributed $1,000 over, it would be $60. This penalty is called an “excise tax,” and applies to each tax year the excess contribution remains in your account.

Can you contribute to a FSA if you are on Medicare?

If you're still working when you become eligible for Medicare and keep your employer-sponsored insurance, you can continue contributing to and using your FSA in that calendar year. But remember: you won't be able to roll over most of your funds once the year ends, so keep an eye on your balance.

What is the difference between FSA and HSA?

HSAs and FSAs both help you save for qualified medical expenses. HSAs may offer higher contribution limits and allow you to carry funds forward, but you're only eligible if you're enrolled in a HSA-eligible health plan. FSAs have lower contribution limits and generally you can't carry over funds.

Can my spouse contribute to my 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.

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.

Do I get to keep my HSA money?

You get to keep all the money in the HSA account when you leave your company — there are no time or vesting requirements. Now, don't expect to use it for a cruise or a shopping spree, remember that it's still a designated healthcare savings account!

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 is the average HSA balance?

The average HSA balance rose from $2,645 at the beginning of 2021 to $3,902 by the end of the year, the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit independent research organization found in its analysis of its HSA database, which had information on 13.1 million HSAs in 2021.

Can you contribute to HSA while on 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.

Can I use HSA for my daughter?

A child must be a dependent on your tax return.

The general rule is that HSAs can be used for anyone you claim as a dependent on your tax return. To be claimed as a dependent a child must: Be under the age of 19 (or under the age of 24 if a student) Live with you for at least half the 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.

What can I use my HSA for?

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.

Why would I want an FSA if I have an HSA?

By choosing to participate in both an HSA and a limited FSA or combination FSA, you're able to apply any dental, vision and preventive care expenses to your FSA, your HSA funds will have the ability to grow (both as you contribute them and, if you choose, through investment).

What happens to flexible spending account when retired?

What happens to your FSA funds when you retire? In short, you will be reimbursed for any eligible expenses incurred before the date of your retirement. Any remaining funds in the account must be forfeited back to your employer.

What is the flexible spending account limit for 2023?

The IRS has increased the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) contribution limits for the Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) and the Limited Expense Health Care FSA (LEX HCFSA). For 2023, participants may contribute up to an annual maximum of $3,050 for a HCFSA or LEX HCFSA.