Why can't you have an HSA with a PPO?

Asked by: Laney Russel  |  Last update: December 5, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (13 votes)

Yes—you can use an HSA with a PPO. But not with just any PPO. Since an HSA isn't actually a type of health insurance, HSAs provide the flexibility to be integrated with any HSA-eligible high-deductible health plan (HDHP). As long as your PPO is an HSA-eligible HDHP, you can use an HSA with the PPO without issue.

How does PPO with HSA work?

If you enroll in an HSA PPO you can only enroll in a Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Account (LPFSA) for your out-of-pocket dental and vision expenses. The HSA PPO plan gives you the option to visit any provider, allowing you to shop around when you need healthcare.

Why are some plans not HSA eligible?

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. No other health insurance besides an HDHP is allowed to qualify for an HSA, including Medicare.

Can you have an HSA with any medical 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.

What is the penalty for having an HSA and Medicare?

However, if you save to an HSA while you're enrolled in Medicare, you may be hit with IRS penalties on what are considered “excess contributions,” including a 6% excise tax charge. This applies to the six-month look-back period for HSA contributions when you sign up for Medicare past age 65.

High Deductible Health Plans vs PPO Explained // PPO vs HDHP

19 related questions found

Do I lose my HSA when I go on Medicare?

Does enrollment in Medicare impact my HSA eligibility? Yes. Because Medicare doesn't offer an HSA-qualifying option, you can no longer make contributions to an HSA — even if you have another health plan.

What is the 6 month rule for Medicare and HSA?

Under current regulations, individuals who apply for Medicare Part A or Part B after reaching age 65 are automatically given six months of retroactive health coverage, which invalidates their ability to make or receive HSA contributions for any of those months they were deemed to be covered.

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.

Can you have an HSA with a PPO plan?

Yes—you can use an HSA with a PPO. But not with just any PPO. Since an HSA isn't actually a type of health insurance, HSAs provide the flexibility to be integrated with any HSA-eligible high-deductible health plan (HDHP). As long as your PPO is an HSA-eligible HDHP, you can use an HSA with the PPO without issue.

Can HSA be denied?

Having an HDHP is one of the requirements to start an HSA, but it does not guarantee your eligibility. For instance, having an HDHP but being enrolled in Medicare or being listed as a dependent on another person's tax returns could result in your HSA eligibility being denied.

What determines if a plan is HSA eligible?

The main requirement for opening an HSA is having a high-deductible health plan that meets IRS guidelines for the annual deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.

What happens to HSA when you switch to PPO?

You own your account, so you keep your HSA, even if you change health plans or leave Federal Government.

Can you have an HSA with a PPO or HMO?

An HSA is different from the plan types of PPO, HMO or EPO. Any of these plan types can be an HSA eligible plan. So, you can get a PPO that is also HSA eligible, but not every HSA eligible plan is a PPO, and PPOs aren't available in every state. HSA eligible plans are available in pretty much every state.

Should I max out my HSA?

Maxing out your HSA each year easily allows your funds to grow over time. Unlike regular savings accounts, an HSA allows you to invest funds in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.

Is Blue Shield of California high deductible health plan?

The Simple Savings plans* are high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) that are compatible with health savings accounts (HSAs) offering tax-advantaged savings,† and affordable coverage for both you and your employees. Simple Savings plans offer a simple and affordable healthcare coverage option.

What is full PPO savings?

Full PPO Savings Plans

These high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) can be paired with an HSA, HRA, HIA, FSA, LPFSA, or other financial accounts. PPO Savings plans are offered with full network coverage. Each plan includes prescription drug coverage.

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 I buy a treadmill with my HSA?

A treadmill may be eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) and health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Can you use HSA to pay 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 you use HSA for Invisalign?

Absolutely, you can use your HSA or FSA to pay for Invisalign aligners based on the same criteria listed above. While typically more expensive than braces, Invisalign aligners are practically invisible and removable, making them a great option for many Kristo Orthodontic patients— especially teens and adults.

At what age do you have to stop contributing to HSA account?

You can continue to contribute to your HSA as long as you are not enrolled in any part of Medicare, including A, B or D. If you are deferring Medicare, you may want to start working with Medicare three-to-six months before turning 65.

When should I stop HSA?

You must stop contributing to an HSA beginning the first month you're enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B, even if you also have a high-deductible health insurance policy through work.

What is the 12th 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.

Can I contribute to my HSA at the year I turn 65?

If you are not enrolled in Medicare and are otherwise HSA eligible, you can continue to contribute to an HSA after age 65. You are also allowed to contribute the $1,000 catch-up. If you signed up for Medicare Part A and now want to decline it, you can do so by contacting the Social Security Administration.

Is HSA tax free after 65?

Once you turn 65, you can also choose to treat your HSA like a retirement account! If you withdraw money from your HSA for something other than qualified medical expenses before you turn 65, you have to pay income tax plus a 20% penalty. But after you turn 65, that 20% penalty no longer applies, so withdraw away!