Medicare Blog

2017 h.s.a. limits when qualifying for medicare

by Doug Cassin Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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For the calendar year 2017, you can contribute an HSA maximum of $3,400 for an individual and $6,750 for a family.

Can you contribute to an HSA the year you go on Medicare?

Can I continue to contribute to my HSA once I'm enrolled in Medicare? No. You lose HSA eligibility once you enroll in Medicare, so you can't make additional contributions. You can contribute for months that you were eligible before you enrolled in Medicare.

When should I stop contributing to HSA before Medicare?

The takeaway here is that you should delay Social Security benefits and decline Part A if you wish to continue contributing funds to your HSA. Finally, if you decide to delay enrolling in Medicare, make sure to stop contributing to your HSA at least six months before you do plan to enroll in Medicare.

How much can I contribute to my HSA in the year I turn 65?

The IRS annual contribution limits for HSAs for 2021 is $3,600 for individual coverage and $7,200 for family coverage. Individuals age 55+ can contribute an additional $1,000 per year as a “catch-up” contribution. These limits are based on inflation, and generally increase by moderate amounts every year.

How much is the penalty for contributing to HSA while on Medicare?

If, however, the individual becomes ineligible for the HSA anytime in the next calendar year (referred to as the “testing period”), either due to Medicare enrollment or otherwise, they will be subject to back taxes and a 10% income tax penalty on the amount of funds they contributed.

Can I contribute to an HSA if I am over 65 and still working?

At age 65, most Americans lose HSA eligibility because they begin Medicare. Final Year's Contribution is Pro-Rata. You can make an HSA contribution after you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare, if you have not maximized your contribution for your last year of HSA eligibility.

Can I contribute to HSA while collecting Social Security?

If you have applied for or are receiving Social Security benefits, which automatically entitle you to Part A, you cannot continue to contribute to your HSA.

Can I put money in an HSA if I am retired?

The simple answer is: Yes! Once you turn 65, you can still contribute to your HSA post-retirement as long as you aren't enrolled in Medicare and have a qualifying HDHP.

Do HSA contributions reduce Social Security benefits?

Unlike most personal-finance situations, with an HSA it may be better not to shop around. There's a major benefit to sticking with your employer's plan: If your employer offers an HSA through a Section 125 Cafeteria Plan, your contributions will avoid FICA (Social Security and Medicare) taxes of 7.65%—a big benefit.

How do I avoid HSA penalty?

The only way to fully avoid all penalties is to only use HSA withdrawals to make eligible purchases.

2017 HDHP Limits

One prerequisite for opening or contributing to a Health Savings Account is that you are covered by HSA eligible insurance, otherwise known as a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). The IRS sets limits as to what constitutes an HDHP to define who is HSA eligible or not. Per IRS Rev.

2017 HSA Contribution Limits

The IRS also defines the maximum amounts that may be contributed to a Health Savings Account each year. That amount is updated based on inflation calculations and whatever else the IRS feels like for a given time period. Per IRS Rev. Proc 2016-28, the 2017 HSA contribution limits are:

What is the Medicare premium for 2017?

For the remaining roughly 30 percent of beneficiaries, the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B will be $134.00 for 2017, a 10 percent increase from the 2016 premium of $121.80. Because of the “hold harmless” provision covering the other 70 percent of beneficiaries, premiums for the remaining 30 percent must cover most ...

What is the average Social Security premium for 2017?

Among this group, the average 2017 premium will be about $109.00, compared to $104.90 for the past four years.

What is Medicare Part A?

Medicare Part A Premiums/Deductibles. Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility, and some home health care services. About 99 percent of Medicare beneficiaries do not have a Part A premium since they have at least 40 quarters of Medicare-covered employment. The Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible ...

How much is Medicare Part A deductible?

The Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible that beneficiaries pay when admitted to the hospital will be $1,316 per benefit period in 2017, an increase of $28 from $1,288 in 2016. The Part A deductible covers beneficiaries’ share of costs for the first 60 days of Medicare-covered inpatient hospital care in a benefit period.

Is Medicare Part B a hold harmless?

Medicare Part B beneficiaries not subject to the “hold harmless” provision include beneficiaries who do not receive Social Security benefits, those who enroll in Part B for the first time in 2017, those who are directly billed for their Part B premium, those who are dually eligible for Medicaid and have their premium paid by state Medicaid agencies, and those who pay an income-related premium. These groups represent approximately 30 percent of total Part B beneficiaries.

Is Medicare Part B deductible finalized?

Premiums and deductibles for Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans are already finalized and are unaffected by this announcement. Since 2007, beneficiaries with higher incomes have paid higher Medicare Part B monthly premiums. These income-related monthly premium rates affect roughly five percent of people with Medicare.

How long after a HSA is disqualified can you be retroactively disqualified?

In essence, you can be following the rules as an HSA eligible individual, and 6 months after the fact be retroactively disqualified (made HSA ineligible) due to Medicare Part A. If you are familiar at all with how HSA tax Form 8889 works, you know that this can pose some serious risks to your financial well being.

When does Medicare Part A coverage go into effect?

1) The first day of the month you turn 65. 2) The month before you turn 65 (if your birthday is on the 1st of the month). After turning 65, you’re coverage will be in effect (retroactively) the lessor of 1) 6 months or 2) your 65th birthday. It is that last clause that can really affect HSA holders. It states that if you sign up for Medicare Part A ...

When does Medicare coverage start?

The answer is Medicare coverage can be retroactive up to 6 months, if you sign up after your 65th birthday. The rule is if you sign up after turning 65, the Medicare coverage will be retroactive to the lessor of 1) the first day of your birthday month or 2) 6 months. Of course the government makes such a cockamamie rule, but oh well. Here are some examples for someone whose birthday is March 30th:

How long does Medicare coverage last after 65?

It states that if you sign up for Medicare Part A after you turn 65, the coverage will retroactively be applied up to 6 months into the past.

How long is Medicare retroactive?

The Medicare website mentions the 6 months of retroactive coverage but is very vague as to how it applies. The answer is Medicare coverage can be retroactive up to 6 months, if you sign up after your 65th birthday. The rule is if you sign up after turning 65, the Medicare coverage will be retroactive to the lessor of 1) the first day of your birthday month or 2) 6 months. Of course the government makes such a cockamamie rule, but oh well. Here are some examples for someone whose birthday is March 30th: 1 Medicare starts June 1st – retroactive coverage until March 1st (birthday month) 2 Medicare starts September 1st – retroactive coverage until March 1st (birthday month) 3 Medicare starts December 1st – retroactive coverage until June 1st (6 months)

How to opt out of retroactive Medicare?

You may be able to opt out of retroactive Medicare coverage by contacting the Social Security Administration. This is suggested in this article in InvestmentNews.com, but the idea is to 1) begin Social Security but 2) contact the SSI and request not to begin retroactive Medicare coverage. I do not know that this works, but is worth a shot if you wish to continue funding your HSA during this time.

When did Paul get Medicare Part A?

Because Paul was 67 when he signed up for Medicare Part A on May 1st, 2017, the coverage retroactively applied 6 months prior to November 1st, 2016. This means that he was not HSA eligible from November 2016 – April 2017.

How long do I have to contribute to an HSA?

So if you're looking to make a 2016 tax year contribution, you have to do so by April 18. Employers also have the same amount of time to make prior-year contributions.

How can I get an HSA?

Eligible HSA users need to have insurance coverage under a high deductible health plan. In 2017, that means an insurance policy that has a minimum deductible of $1,300 for self-only health insurance policies, or $2,600 for family policies. HDHPs also have to have maximum out-of-pocket amounts of $6,550 for self-only coverage or $13,100 for family coverage.

What is an HSA, and why is it a good thing for me?

Health savings accounts are accounts designed to hold money to cover medical expenses. HSA contributions are tax-deductible, investment earnings within HSA are tax-deferred, and as long as you use the money for qualified medical expenses, withdrawals end up being tax-free. If you're fortunate enough to have an employer who makes contributions on your behalf to your health savings accounts, those employer contributions are excluded from your income. Unlike the flexible spending accounts that many Americans have at work, HSA money can be carried over from year to year without risk of losing any of it, letting you take advantage of longer periods of tax-free growth in your investments within the account.

What counts as allowable medical expenses?

A wide variety of medical expenses qualifies for tax-free treatment under HSAs. Inpatient and outpatient medical services, prescription drugs, and other expenses that qualify for the medical expense deduction are typically allowable. In addition, expenses for family members such as your spouse and anyone you can claim as a dependent on your tax return are also allowable.

Can Medicare participants use an HSA?

Those who are enrolled in Medicare can no longer make contributions to an HSA. For the year in which you sign up for Medicare, you can make a prorated contribution for the year. As an example, if you turned 65 three months into the year, then you could contribute one-fourth of the contribution limit to the HSA for that given year, because you weren't enrolled in Medicare during those first three months.

What is the Penalty for Having an HSA and Medicare?

Once you enroll in Medicare, the IRS sets your contribution limit to your HSA to zero. What this means is, beginning the first month you’re enrolled in Medicare, you’re not allowed to contribute any monies into your HSA.

How long can you contribute to a health savings account?

Health Savings Account beneficiaries can contribute until the first day of the month; Medicare is sufficient. It’s your responsibility to prorate both your regular contribution and the catch-up contribution if applicable.

Can I Use My HSA Funds to Pay My Medicare Advantage Premiums?

Yes, you can use your HSA funds to pay for your Medicare Advantage premiums as well as any copays and coinsurance.

Can My Health Savings Account Reimburse Me for Medicare Premiums?

You can take tax-free withdrawals from your Health Savings Account to reimburse the cost of premiums you’ve paid out of pocket. Even if those premiums were an automatic deduction from your Social Security check. If this is something you didn’t know, you can still withdraw money at any time to reimburse yourself for those premiums.

What is HSA 2021?

Medicare and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) Home / FAQs / General Medicare / Medicare and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) Updated on June 9, 2021. There are guidelines and rules you must follow when it comes to Medicare and Health Savings Accounts. A Health Savings Account is a savings account in which money can be set aside for certain medical ...

How to calculate prorate for Medicare?

To determine the prorate maximum contribution, add the IRS maximum plus the catch-up amount. Then, divide that number by 12 months and multiply by the number of months you won’t have Medicare .

What is a health savings account?

A Health Savings Account is a savings account in which money can be set aside for certain medical expenses. As you get close to retiring, it’s essential to understand how Health Savings Accounts work with Medicare.

What is an HSA account?

An HSA account provides you with an unparalleled triple tax break: tax-deferred contributions, tax-free investment growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses. The HDHP is there when you need it, kicking in once your health-care spending reaches a specified amount.

How long does it take to get Medicare back?

When you start drawing Social Security benefits, the Social Security Administration backdates your Medicare Part A enrollment by, at the most, six months (it depends on when you became eligible for Medicare). To avoid any overlap, stop contributing to your HSA six months before applying for Social Security benefits.

Is HSA deductible for Medicare?

IRS law states that HSA eligibility requires enrollment in only a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). Enrollment in an additional health plan is forbidden— including Medicare. Because of the enormous tax benefits included with an HSA, the IRS upholds this rule strictly.

Is eligibility.com a DBA?

Content on this site has not been reviewed or endorsed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the United States Government, any state Medicare agency, or any private insurance agency (collectively "Medicare System Providers"). Eligibility.com is a DBA of Clear Link Technologies, LLC and is not affiliated with any Medicare System Providers.

Is HSA contribution taxable?

If you were to get some other health coverage (like Medicare Part A) simultaneously with your HSA and HDHP, the IRS would limit your HSA contribution to $0. Consequently, any money you put in your HSA would be above the contribution limit and considered taxable income. It also would be subject to an excise tax. Not fun.

What is the tax rate for Medicare after a HSA?

Excess contributions will be taxed an additional 6 percent when you withdraw them. You’ll pay back taxes plus an additional 10 percent tax if you enroll in Medicare during your HSA testing period.

How long do you have to stop contributing to HSA before enrolling in Medicare?

The IRS and Medicare recommend that you stop contributing to your HSA 6 months before you enroll in Medicare to avoid these penalties. This is especially true if you’re enrolling in Medicare later. When you enroll in Medicare after you turn age 65, the IRS will consider you to have had access to Medicare for 6 months prior to your enrollment date.

What is an HSA account?

A health savings account (HSA) is an account you can use to pay for your medical expenses with pretax money. You can put money in an HSA if you meet certain requirements. You must be eligible for a high-deductible health plan and you can’t have any other health plan. Because Medicare is considered another health plan, ...

What is Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B (medical insurance) has standard costs, including a monthly premium and an annual deductible. Additionally, you’ll pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved cost for most covered services. You can use the funds in your HSA toward any of these costs.

What is an MSA plan?

Medicare offers what’s called a Medicare savings account (MSA). This plan is similar to an HSA, but there are a few key differences. Just like a standard HSA, you’ll need to be enrolled in a high-deductible plan. With an MSA, this means you’ll need to select a high-deductible Medicare Advantage plan.

How much does Medicare Part B premium increase?

For Part B, their monthly premium will increase by 10 percent for each 12-month period they could’ve had Medicare Part B but didn’t. For example, if they waited 2 years to enroll, they’d pay an additional 20 percent on top of the standard Part B premium for as long as they have this coverage.

Do you pay taxes if your HSA and Medicare overlap?

You’ll pay tax penalties if your HSA contributions and your Medicare enrollment overlap. The amount of penalty you’ll pay depends on the situation. Scenarios you might encounter include:

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Definition

Examples

  • The Medicare website mentions the 6 months of retroactive coverage but is very vague as to how it applies. The answer is Medicare coverage can be retroactive up to 6 months, if you sign up after your 65th birthday. The rule is if you sign up after turning 65, the Medicare coverage will be retroactive to the lessor of 1) the first day of your birthd...
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Retirement

  • On May 1st, 2017, Paul plays the last show of his final farewell tour and decides to officially retire. He takes some of the proceeds from the show and contributes 4 months worth of a contribution to his HSA for 2017. No longer working, Social Security seems like a good deal so he signs up to start receiving benefits. This also enrolls him in Medicare Part A, which seems like free governm…
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Controversy

  • The next year, Paul gets a call from his tax accountant telling him his HSA Form 8889 is a mess and he may owe penalties and taxes. Because Paul was 67 when he signed up for Medicare Part A on May 1st, 2017, the coverage retroactively applied 6 months prior to November 1st, 2016. This means that he was not HSA eligible from November 2016 April 2017. His accountant informs hi…
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Preparation

  • Given the fact that Medicare Part A can retroactively disqualify you from being HSA eligible, it is best to prepare for such an event and plan accordingly. This involves a combination of 1) knowing if you are at risk for retroactive coverage and 2) planning your preceding and current HSA actions appropriately. As such, we recommend the following:
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Prevention

  • If you are in your 60s, you should be thinking about when you will sign up for Medicare Part A coverage, keeping in mind that this is also triggered by beginning Social Security benefits. If this occurs when you are age 65 and 1/2 or older, you are in the danger zone of having retroactive coverage applied. If this is the case, you will want to work backwards 6 months to plan your HS…
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Risks

  • Retroactive Medicare Part A coverage wrecks the most havoc on HSA contributions that contain a Testing Period. These include the use of the Last Month Rule (to contribute more than normal in a partial coverage year) or the Qualified Funding Distribution (contribute to your HSA from an IRA). Both of these contributions require that you maintain HSA coverage for a given amount of time k…
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