Do I lose my HSA if I don't use it?

Asked by: Gerry Turner  |  Last update: March 27, 2025
Score: 5/5 (9 votes)

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.

Can I keep my HSA forever?

A forever account: The HSA belongs to the employee, stays with them forever, and they can contribute to the HSA even if they leave the current place of work or are not working at all.

Can you cash out unused HSA funds?

Yes, you can withdraw funds from your HSA at any time.

Does HSA money ever expire?

Your HSA contributions don't expire. The money stays in the HSA until you use it.

What is the downside of having 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.

Why you should NOT have an HSA | The REAL truth about Health Savings Accounts

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What happens if you don't use an HSA?

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.

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.

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 cash out my HSA when I leave my job?

Can I cash out my HSA when I leave my job? Yes, you can cash out your HSA at any time. However, any funds withdrawn for costs other than qualified medical expenses will result in the IRS imposing a 20% tax penalty.

Can HSA be used for dental?

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

Where does HSA money go if not used?

Unspent HSA funds roll over from year to year. You can hold and add to the tax-free savings to pay for medical care later. HSAs may earn interest that can't be taxed. You generally can't use HSA funds to pay premiums.

Is HSA better than 401k?

Finally, consider which account will give you the most tax benefits. An HSA is taxed in essentially the same way as a 401(k), except it also includes tax-free medical withdrawals, so in that sense, the HSA wins.

What 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.

What happens when my HSA balance is $0?

Will my HSA account remain open if I have a $0 balance? The account will remain open if you have a $0 balance.

What is the average HSA balance?

What Is the Average HSA Balance By Age? The average HSA balance for a family is about $7,500 and for individuals it is about $4,300. This average jumps up to $12,000 for families who invest in HSAs. Here's a breakdown of the average HSA balance by age.

Can I cash out my HSA?

You can withdraw funds from your HSA at any time to cover qualified medical expenses, which are listed below. The amount you can withdraw in a given year varies based on your medical costs.

What happens if I never use my HSA account?

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.

Can I transfer money from my HSA to my bank account?

Online Transfers – On HSA Bank's member website, you can reimburse yourself for out-of-pocket expenses by making a one-time or reoccurring online transfer from your HSA to your personal checking or savings account.

Do you get your HSA money back if you quit?

You don't lose your HSA if you quit your job. The money in the account is yours even if you change jobs, are laid off or fired, or retire. This includes any contributions made by you or your former employer, along with any investment gains.

Can I use my HSA for vitamins?

In general, vitamins are not considered an HSA eligible expense unless they are prescribed by a doctor for a specific medical condition.

Is an Apple Watch HSA eligible?

Unfortunately the answer to this question is usually no. This is because according to the IRS, fitness trackers are used to promote what the IRS terms “general health”. Expenses under this general health definition are not considered HSA eligible expenses.

Can I use my HSA to pay for therapy?

Yes. You can use an HSA to cover some mental health expenses, including therapy to treat a diagnosed mental condition. However, therapy that isn't specifically designed for medical or mental health needs — like marriage or family counseling — often won't qualify for HSA coverage.

What are the disadvantages of a 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.

What are the downfalls of HSA?

The main downside of an HSA for employees is that there is an increased risk of accruing medical debt because of the health plan associated with the HSA.

What happens if you use HSA for non-medical?

In addition, if HSA funds are withdrawn before age 65 and not used for eligible medical expenses are generally subject to an additional 20% tax penalty. In other words, you may lose the tax benefits when you use HSA for non-medical expenses. There may also be a significant tax fee or penalty.