Can You Withdraw Money from an HSA if You Don't Have a HDHP?

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are a great way to save for medical expenses while enjoying tax benefits. But what if you no longer have a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)? Can you still withdraw money from your HSA?

The short answer is yes, you can withdraw money from an HSA even if you no longer have a HDHP. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind:

• While you can take out funds from your HSA for any reason, if the withdrawals are not for qualified medical expenses, they will be subject to income tax and may incur a penalty if you are under 65 years old.
• If you use the funds for non-qualified expenses after losing your HDHP coverage, you will be taxed on the amount withdrawn at your income tax rate but won't face an additional 20% penalty as you would if you withdraw funds for non-medical expenses while still covered by an HDHP.
• If you decide to wait until you turn 65 to use your HSA funds for non-medical expenses, the 20% penalty will no longer apply, although you'll still owe income tax on the amount withdrawn.
• It's important to keep accurate records and receipts of your qualified medical expenses if you plan to withdraw funds from your HSA for non-medical purposes to avoid any taxation or penalties.

While it's generally recommended to use HSA funds for medical expenses to maximize the tax benefits, having the flexibility to access your funds for any reason can provide a valuable financial cushion when needed.

Absolutely! Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) provide excellent tax advantages for individuals saving for medical expenses, and withdrawing from your HSA is still possible even after losing your High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).