HSA eligibility
It has an annual deductible of at least $1,600 for self-only coverage and $3,200 for family coverage. Its out-of-pocket maximum including annual deductible does not exceed $8,050 for self-only coverage and $16,100 for family coverage.
For 2023, if you have self-only HDHP coverage, you can contribute up to $3,850. If you have family HDHP coverage, you can contribute up to $7,750. For 2024, if you have self-only HDHP coverage, you can contribute up to $4,150. If you have family HDHP coverage, you can contribute up to $8,300.
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.
For people with very low healthcare costs, putting the maximum into Health Savings Account (HSA)-eligible healthcare plans is almost a no-brainer. This is especially true when their employer contributes to their account to help offset the deductible.
First off, most experts would recommend maxing out HSA contributions before maxing out 401(k) contributions because of the tax advantages that come with the HSA. There's no minimum age for HSA fund distributions, so when you need it to spend money on health care, it's got your back.
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.
If you're unsure of where to start, try working with a financial advisor. 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.
If you don't use it for qualified medical expenses, it counts as income when you file your taxes. Six months before you retire or get Medicare benefits, you must stop contributing to your HSA. But, you can use money left in your HSA to help pay for qualified medical expenses that Medicare doesn't cover.
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).
The Last Month Rule
There is a testing period of twelve months. This means you must stay eligible through the end of the next year, or else you will face taxes and penalties.
Yes, you can use a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) for dental expenses.
If your medical expenses are generally low, you should definitely consider an HDHP. If you would benefit from reducing your taxable income by contributing to your HSA, you should consider an HDHP.
You can't contribute to an HSA if you have Medicare coverage, or a plan that pays its share of a covered service without you having to pay deductibles or copayments first (called “first dollar coverage”).
Will my HSA account remain open if I have a $0 balance? The account will remain open if you have a $0 balance.
Unlike many other health plans, the balance in your HSA account carries over indefinitely. This means that any extra money you have at the end of the year does not disappear or reset. Instead, it remains in your account and continues to grow over time.
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.
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.
The short answer: As much as you're able to (within IRS contribution limits), if that's financially viable. If you're covered by an HSA-eligible health plan (or high-deductible health plan), the IRS allows you to put as much as $4,150 per year (in 2024) into your health savings account (HSA).
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.
One of the biggest advantages of an HSA is that it offers a triple tax advantage, which means: Contributions to an HSA are federally tax-deductible, reducing your taxable income. Depending on where you live, you may also get a break on state income taxes. Assets in an HSA can potentially grow federal tax-free.
If you contribute more than the allowed amount to your HSA, the excess contribution is considered an excess accumulation. The IRS imposes a 6% excise tax on any excess accumulation in your HSA. This tax is applied each year until the excess amount is withdrawn from the account.
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.
Many people have HSAs in conjunction with a job, but the HSA belongs entirely to the employee. 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.