As you may be aware, a Health Savings Account (HSA) is a great resource to help pay for medical expenses and premiums. But what happens to an HSA once someone enters retirement? Here is what you need to know.
- If you are enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid, you’re no longer eligible to contribute to an HSA.
- If you are Medicare eligible, but aren’t enrolled in Medicare, you can contribute to an HSA by enrolling in an HSA-qualified High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). This type of health insurance plan has lower monthly premiums than traditional health insurance plans and can be combined with an HSA.
- If a distribution from an HSA is used for purposes other than a qualified medical expense, the amount withdrawn is subject to both income tax and a 20% penalty. However, once a person reaches the age of 65 years old or older, the amount withdrawn for non-medical purposes is treated as retirement income and is subject to normal income tax.
