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Can My Surviving Spouse Reimburse Medical Expenses for HSA?

Published October 17, 2022

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Short answer: Yes—if named as beneficiary, a surviving spouse can use HSA funds to reimburse qualified medical expenses tax-free.

Surviving spouse HSA reimbursements overview

One common question that arises regarding HSA (Health Savings Account) is whether a surviving spouse can reimburse medical expenses with the HSA funds. The answer to this question is yes. If you have an HSA and you pass away, your surviving spouse can use the HSA funds to reimburse qualified medical expenses.

Here are some key points to consider:

  • Upon your death, your spouse becomes the owner of the HSA if named as the beneficiary.
  • Your spouse can use the HSA funds tax-free for their own qualified medical expenses.
  • If your spouse is under 65 years of age, any non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to taxes.
  • It's important to update your HSA beneficiary designation to ensure a smooth transition of the funds to your spouse.

Yes, a surviving spouse can indeed reimburse qualified medical expenses using HSA funds, making this aspect of estate planning important and beneficial.

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