Catch-Up Contribution to HSA for a Spouse Over 65: All You Need to Know

As you or your spouse reach the age of 65, you may be wondering about catch-up contributions to your HSA. The great news is that if your spouse is over 65, they can make catch-up contributions to their Health Savings Account (HSA) just like you can. Catch-up contributions allow individuals who are 55 or older to save extra money in their HSA to prepare for medical expenses during retirement.

For individuals over 55, the IRS allows an additional catch-up contribution of $1,000 per year on top of the regular contribution limit. This means that if your spouse is over 65, they can contribute up to $4,600 in 2021 towards their HSA if they have self-only coverage, or up to $8,200 if they have family coverage. These catch-up contributions are tax-deductible and can provide significant savings on your annual tax bill.

It's essential to note that catch-up contributions can only be made if your spouse is eligible to contribute to an HSA. To be eligible, your spouse must be covered by a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) and cannot be enrolled in Medicare. Once your spouse enrolls in Medicare, they can no longer contribute to their HSA, including catch-up contributions.

When you reach the exciting milestone of 65, it’s time to take stock of your financial strategies for healthcare. One great way to enhance your financial health is through catch-up contributions to your HSA. If your spouse is also over 65, they can benefit from these catch-up contributions, allowing both of you to maximize your savings. This is a fantastic opportunity to have a meaningful cushion for medical expenses that may arise in retirement.