Medicare Blog

why can you not have an hsa when on medicare

by Stanton Jakubowski Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Since Medicare is not considered an HDHP

High-deductible health plan

In the United States, a high-deductible health plan is a health insurance plan with lower premiums and higher deductibles than a traditional health plan. It is intended to incentivize consumer-driven healthcare. Being covered by an HDHP is also a requirement for having a health savings account. Some HDHP plans also offer additional "wellness" benefits, provided before a deductible is paid. …

, enrolling makes you ineligible to contribute to an HSA

Health savings account

A health savings account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged medical savings account available to taxpayers in the United States who are enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). The funds contributed to an account are not subject to federal income tax at the time of deposit. Unlike a flexible spending account (FSA), HSA funds roll over and accumulate year to year if not spent.

. Once you enroll in Medicare, it’s illegal to continue to contribute to a Health Savings Account. The only exception to continue contributing to your HSA is to postpone enrolling in Medicare.

Because Medicare is considered another health plan, you're no longer eligible to contribute money to your HSA once you enroll. That doesn't mean you can't use your HSA along with Medicare. You can still use any funds in your HSA to cover expenses like Medicare premiums, copayments, and deductibles.

Full Answer

Why can't Medicare recipients have an HSA?

Enrolling in Medicare when you have an HSA If you enroll in Medicare Part A and/or B, you can no longer contribute pre-tax dollars to your HSA. This is because to contribute pre-tax dollars to an HSA you cannot have any health insurance other than an HDHP.

Can I contribute to an HSA if I am 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.

Can you have an HSA account after age 65?

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 you contribute to an HSA if you receive Social Security?

HSAs offer many advantages, but they don't mix with certain types of federal programs and benefits. For example, if you are enrolled in Medicare Parts A or B, or if you file for Social Security benefits after age 65, you can't make contributions to an HSA.

Can my spouse contribute to an HSA if I am on Medicare?

Your spouse on Medicare is not eligible to contribute to an HSA in his or her name, regardless of whether he or she is covered on your medical plan.

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