How Does the Government Determine If You Are HSA Eligible?

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are a great way to save for medical expenses while enjoying tax benefits. But how does the government decide if you are eligible for an HSA? Let's break it down.

The government determines HSA eligibility based on several factors:

• High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP): To be eligible for an HSA, you must be enrolled in an HDHP. The government sets the minimum deductible and out-of-pocket maximum limits each year to qualify as an HDHP.
• Not Enrolled in Medicare: If you are enrolled in Medicare, you are not eligible for an HSA. However, if you are under 65 and have not enrolled in Medicare, you can contribute to an HSA.
• Not Claimed as a Dependent: If someone else can claim you as a dependent on their tax return, you are not eligible for an HSA.

If you meet these criteria, you are considered HSA eligible by the government and can start contributing to your HSA to save for future medical expenses tax-free.

Understanding HSA eligibility is crucial as it opens up opportunities for tax-free savings for medical expenses. The federal government has set specific criteria to determine if you qualify for an HSA, which includes being enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) that meets certain deductible and out-of-pocket requirements.