What Happens to Your HSA Balance When You Go on Medicare?

When you transition to Medicare, your HSA balance doesn't disappear. However, there are some important changes to be aware of:

1. You can no longer contribute to your HSA once you're enrolled in Medicare. This includes both your own contributions and any contributions made by your employer.

2. While you can't make new contributions, you can still use the existing balance in your HSA to pay for qualified medical expenses.

3. If you use your HSA funds for non-qualified expenses after enrolling in Medicare and you're under 65, you will incur a 20% penalty in addition to regular income taxes.

4. Once you turn 65, you can use your HSA funds for non-medical expenses without penalty, just paying regular income tax.

5. You can also use your HSA to pay for certain Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.

6. It's essential to plan ahead and understand the rules regarding HSAs and Medicare to make the most of your savings.

When you enroll in Medicare, it’s important to know that your HSA balance remains intact, but you need to be mindful of some key changes that come along with this transition.