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What Happens to Money Left in HSA?

Published July 10, 2024

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Short answer: HSA funds don’t expire; leftover money rolls over, may be invested after reaching a threshold, and after age 65 can be used for non-medical expenses penalty-free with income tax.

What happens to unused HSA money

Many people wonder what happens to the money left in their Health Savings Account (HSA) if they don't use it all. The good news is that unlike a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), the funds in your HSA don't expire at the end of the year. So, what happens to the money?

If you have money left in your HSA at the end of the year, here's what you need to know:

Roll over annually, stay available indefinitely

  • The money rolls over: Any funds left in your HSA at the end of the year are yours to keep. They roll over to the next year, allowing you to continue saving for future medical expenses.
  • You can invest it: Once your HSA reaches a certain balance, you may have the option to invest the funds in a variety of investment options, potentially allowing your money to grow over time.
  • Use it for retirement: After the age of 65, you can withdraw money from your HSA for non-medical expenses penalty-free. However, you will still need to pay income tax on the withdrawn amount.

After hearing that your Health Savings Account (HSA) funds don’t expire, you might be wondering what more you can do with any leftover money. Well, for starters, these funds roll over annually, meaning they remain available for your medical expenses indefinitely.

Invest options and retirement withdrawal rules

So, rest assured that any money left in your HSA is not lost. It can continue to benefit you in the future, whether for medical expenses or even for retirement.

Additionally, if your HSA balance reaches a certain threshold, many accounts offer the option to invest these funds, thus increasing your potential for growth while saving for future healthcare costs.

Once you reach the age of 65, your HSA becomes even more flexible as you can use it for non-medical expenses without a penalty—just be mindful of taxes on those withdrawals.

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