What Happens to an HSA When You Turn 65?

When you turn 65, your Health Savings Account (HSA) undergoes some changes and considerations that are important to know. As you transition to Medicare at this age, here's what happens to your HSA:

1. Ability to use funds for non-medical expenses without penalty: Once you reach 65, you can withdraw funds from your HSA for any reason without incurring the 20% penalty that normally applies to non-medical withdrawals. However, these withdrawals will be subject to income tax if not used for qualified medical expenses.

2. Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket costs: You can use HSA funds to pay for Medicare premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. This can be a valuable asset in managing healthcare costs during retirement.

3. No more contributions: After enrolling in Medicare, you can no longer contribute to your HSA. However, you can still use the existing funds for qualified medical expenses tax-free.

4. Portability: Your HSA remains with you even after turning 65, and you can continue to use the funds for eligible medical expenses.

5. Consider other retirement accounts: As you reach retirement age, it's important to evaluate your overall financial plan, including how your HSA fits into your retirement savings strategy.

Upon reaching 65, it's essential to know that your Health Savings Account (HSA) becomes a crucial component of your financial health planning, especially as it relates to healthcare expenses.