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What Happens to Money in an HSA After You Quit? Explained

Published July 9, 2024

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Short answer: Your HSA money belongs to you regardless of employment status, and you can keep using it for qualified medical expenses; non-medical withdrawals before 65 incur a 20% penalty plus income tax.

Ownership and qualified medical expense use

When you leave a job or decide to quit, you may wonder what happens to the money in your HSA (Health Savings Account). An HSA is a tax-advantaged account designed to help individuals save for medical expenses. Here's what you need to know about your HSA funds after you quit:

1. The money in your HSA belongs to you, regardless of your employment status. You can continue to use it for qualified medical expenses.

When you decide to leave a job, it's natural to wonder about the fate of your Health Savings Account (HSA) funds. Rest assured, the money in your HSA is yours, no matter your employment situation. You can continue utilizing it for qualified medical expenses.

Keeping, provider changes, and withdrawal penalties

2. If you switch jobs or lose your job, you can still keep your HSA and use the funds for eligible healthcare costs.

3. You have the option to roll over your HSA to a new provider or keep it with the existing one. Ensure you understand the fees and investment options before making a decision.

4. If you withdraw funds for non-medical expenses before age 65, you will incur a 20% penalty plus owe income tax on the amount.

5. After age 65, you can withdraw funds for non-medical purposes without the penalty, but you'll owe income tax on the amount.

Remember that an HSA is a valuable tool for saving and paying for medical costs, so make informed decisions regarding your account to maximize its benefits.

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