What is the average HSA balance in 2023?

Asked by: Rusty Durgan  |  Last update: February 24, 2025
Score: 5/5 (18 votes)

Research by Bank of America (BoA) found that 401(k) account balances rose 15 percent year-over-year to an average of $86,280 in 2023 (up from $75,045 at the end of 2022), while HSA balances rose 11 percent in 2023 to an average of $4,380 (up from $3,930 in 2022).

What is the average HSA account balance?

Still, despite workers spending more on health care in 2022 than in previous years, average balances in HSAs increased, rising from $4,318 in 2021 to $4,607.

What is a good amount to have in HSA?

Basically, your contributions should be (the maximum you can afford to save for retirement)+(whatever you're budgeting this year for medical expenses) up to $3600 in one year, then avoid withdrawing anything even for medical if you can afford to.

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.

How much should I have in my HSA at 65?

The ability to save HSA contributions each year is a nice pro because health care in retirement can be expensive. On average, according to the 2024 Fidelity Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate, a 65-year-old individual may need $165,000 in after-tax savings to cover health care expenses.

Can My HSA Count Towards Investing?

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What happens to HSA money after age 65?

HSAs may earn interest that can't be taxed. You generally can't use HSA funds to pay premiums. Once you turn 65, you can use the money in your HSA for anything you want. If you don't use it for qualified medical expenses, it counts as income when you file your taxes.

Is HSA better than 401k?

Comparing HSAs and 401(k)s

The triple-tax-free aspect of an HSA makes it better for tax management than a 401(k). However, since HSA withdrawals can only be used for healthcare costs, the 401(k) is a more flexible retirement savings tool. The fact that an HSA has no RMD gives it more flexibility than a 401(k).

What is the downside of an HSA?

Drawbacks of HSAs include tax penalties for nonmedical expenses before age 65, and contributions made to the HSA within six months of applying for Social Security benefits may be subject to penalties. HSAs have fewer limitations and more tax advantages than flexible spending accounts (FSAs).

Can HSA be used for dental?

Yes, you can use a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) for dental expenses.

Do I have to report HSA on taxes?

Form 8889 must be filed with your annual Form 1040 federal tax filing if you make contributions to or take distributions from an HSA. You must file IRS Form 1040 for your HSA contributions, not the short Form 1040A or 1040EZ.

Should I max out my HSA every year?

If you're able to make the maximum contribution each year, then it's suggested that you do so. Some years you may need to use more of your HSA contributions than other years. Just remember, there's no yearly minimum you have to spend from your HSA and your entire HSA automatically rolls over each year.

What is the minimum balance in HSA?

Investments cover future healthcare costs and build your retirement savings. You may begin investing once you have a minimum of $1,000 in your HSA cash account. HSA funds above that amount can be transferred to your investment account.

What happens if you put too much in your HSA account?

5. What happens if I contribute more than the IRS annual maximum? If your HSA contains excess or ineligible contributions you will generally owe the IRS a 6% excess-contribution penalty tax for each year that the excess contribution remains in your HSA. It is recommended you speak with a tax advisor for guidance.

What is a good HSA amount?

The amount of money you should have in your HSA during retirement depends on your healthcare needs and circumstances. According to the Fidelity Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate, a single person who is age 65 in 2023 should aim to have about $157,000 saved (after tax) for healthcare expenses during retirement.

How much should you put in your HSA per month?

Contribute at least the amount of your deductible

You'll be responsible for paying for health care expenses out of pocket until your annual deductible is met, so consider contributing at least the amount of your deductible to your HSA.

How many Americans have an HSA?

Survey: More than 61 million Americans covered by health savings accounts. More than 37 million health savings accounts existed at the end of 2023, providing coverage to more than 61 million Americans, according to a new survey by Devenir and the American Bankers Association's HSA Council.

What happens if I accidentally used my HSA card for groceries?

You can repay the incorrect distribution before filing your federal taxes for that tax year. However, if you do not correct the mistake, the unqualified amount will be subject to income tax, and you may also face an additional 20% tax penalty.

Can I use HSA for gym membership?

Gym memberships. While some companies and private insurers may offer discounts on gym memberships, you generally can't use your FSA or HSA account to pay for gym or health club memberships. An exception to that rule would be if your doctor deems fitness medically necessary for your recovery or treatment.

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 ever lose my HSA money?

Myth #2: If I don't spend all my funds this year, I lose it. Reality: HSA funds never expire. When it comes to the HSA, there's no use-it-or-lose-it rule. Unlike Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds, you keep your HSA dollars forever, even if you change employers, health plans, or retire.

What happens to your HSA when you turn 65?

One benefit of the HSA is that after you turn age 65, you can withdraw money from your HSA for any reason without incurring a tax penalty. You are, however, subject to normal income tax on any non-qualified withdrawals.

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.

Are HSAs actually worth it?

HSAs have risen in popularity over the past few years because, in combination with high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), they can vastly reduce the monthly premium you and your employer pay. A higher deductible means lower premiums, and that could mean huge savings for you and your employer.

Are HSA good for retirees?

For retirees over age 65 who have employer-sponsored health coverage, an HSA can be used to pay your share of those costs as well. 3. Long-term care expenses Your HSA can be used to cover part of the cost for a "tax-qualified" long-term care insurance policy.

What are the pitfalls of HSA?

The main downside of an HSA is that you must have a high-deductible health insurance plan to get one. A health insurance deductible is the amount of money you must pay out of pocket each year before your insurance plan benefits begin.