Using your Health Savings Account (HSA) as a Retirement Tool - Rodgers & Associates
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Using your Health Savings Account (HSA) as a Retirement Tool

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are becoming a popular topic with retirees as more people continue to retire daily in America. These accounts have become an effective tool to help people pay for qualified medical expenses. Let’s take a closer look at what an HSA is and how it can be used as a retirement tool.

What is an HSA?

An HSA is defined as a type of savings account you can fund on a pre-tax basis and withdraw money tax-free to pay for qualified medical expenses. These accounts are only available to people who are covered under a High Deductible Health Plan and they have contri­bution limits.

2020 HSA Contri­bution Limits:
• Individuals: $3,550
• Families: $7,100
• $1,000 catch-up if age 55 or older

As more people retire with these accounts, it’s important to address the question of how they can be used during retirement.

How to Use Your HSA for Retirement

After age 65, an HSA can be used to pay for any expense and can act as another Tradi­tional IRA without the Required Minimum Distri­b­u­tions. Though it may not be recom­mended to use these accounts in this way, the option is available. The money taken from an HSA that is not used to pay for qualified medical expenses will be treated as taxable income. If you decide to take money from your HSA to pay for something other than qualified medical expenses before reaching age 65, the withdrawals will also be subject to a 20% penalty. Having an HSA during retirement can provide you with flexi­bility other accounts may not offer.

Many retirees do not know what expenses are considered “qualified medical expenses” that can be paid with funds from their HSAs. Paying for qualified medical expenses from an HSA allows you to cover these expenses with pre-tax money. Below is a list of common qualified medical expenses many retirees miss.

Common Qualified Medical Expenses for Retirees

• Prescription Medica­tions
• Hearing Aids
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Nursing Home Fees
• Contact Lenses
• Teeth Cleanings
• Dental Fillings
• Eye Exams
• Eyeglasses
• Hospital Bills
• Physical Therapy
• X Rays
• Retirement Community Fees for Lifetime Care

What about HSAs and Medicare or Insurance?

One question we hear is if retirees can use HSAs to pay for Medicare premiums and/or health insurance premiums. You can use your HSA to pay for your Medicare premium as well as your Medicare Advantage premiums. If your Medicare Part B premiums are withheld from your Social Security check, you may choose to reimburse yourself.

When it comes to Health Insurance premiums, you can only use your HSA to pay for health insurance if you are paying for coverage under COBRA or are receiving Federal/State unemployment compen­sation. So, if you retire before you are eligible for Medicare, your Health Insurance Premiums may not be considered a qualified medical expense, according to the IRS.

Overall, HSAs can be a beneficial asset to have during retirement and can be used to pay for a number of medical expenses. Before opening a health savings account, talk with a financial profes­sional to determine if it is the right decision for you.