How to use HSA (2024)

FAQs

How to use HSA most effectively? ›

Aim to build the account to completely cover one or more years of maximum out-of-pocket costs. Only draw on the account for large or unusual medical expenses, not the routine ones. Doing this helps you establish a reserve over time in case of a major health expense.

You can use HSA funds to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other qualified medical expenses. Withdrawals to pay eligible medical expenses are tax-free. Unspent HSA funds roll over from year to year, allowing you to build tax-free savings to pay for medical care later.

Hold on to any insurance carrier's Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statement that documents your expenses for services covered under your HSA-eligible health plan. Keep receipts for all other items purchased with your HSA, for example, vision and dental services.

Medical expenses are inevitable, so it could be a smart strategy to max out an HSA, especially since you don't risk losing the money and can take full advantage of the tax benefits. Just be cautious about prioritizing maxing out your HSA if you have other financial needs that could make better use of that cash.

Gym memberships. While some companies and private insurers may offer discounts on gym memberships, you generally can't use your FSA or HSA account to pay for gym or health club memberships. An exception to that rule would be if your doctor deems fitness medically necessary for your recovery or treatment.

HSAs might not make sense if you have some type of chronic medical condition. In that case, you're probably better served by traditional health plans. HSAs might also not be a good idea if you know you will be needing expensive medical care in the near future.

The main downside of an HSA is that you must have a high-deductible health insurance plan to get one.

The Testing Period

In other words, if you become eligible under an HDHP by December 1, you have to remain covered by an HDHP until December 31 of the following year (the last day of the 12th month).

If you need to make a withdrawal from your HSA for something other than a qualified medical expense, there's a penalty to consider. Any HSA withdrawal you make without a qualified medical expense will be subject to income taxes. In addition to the income tax, you'll have to pay an additional 20% tax on the withdrawal.

The IRS doesn't monitor how you spend your HSA funds throughout the year, but that doesn't mean they won't ask for proof that your expenses were eligible.

What is the HSA reimbursem*nt loophole? ›

The ultimate loophole available to almost everyone under the age of 65 in our tax code is the Health Savings Account (HSA). It is the only account you can contribute to and deduct the contribution and then withdraw the money tax free. Think about that, a tax deduction going in and no taxes going out.

Yes, you read that correctly—even if you accidentally paid for a burger with your HSA debit card, you will have to report it on your annual income tax return and pay taxes on it.

The short answer: As much as you're able to (within IRS contribution limits), if that's financially viable. If you're covered by an HSA-eligible health plan (or high-deductible health plan), the IRS allows you to put as much as $4,150 per year (in 2024) into your health savings account (HSA).

If you do not have enough money in your HSA to pay for an eligible medical expense you will need to pay for the expense by some other means. Once the money is in your HSA account, you can withdraw the amount that you paid and reimburse yourself.

The triple-tax-free aspect of an HSA makes it better for tax management than a 401(k). However, since HSA withdrawals can only be used for healthcare costs, the 401(k) is a more flexible retirement savings tool. The fact that an HSA has no RMD gives it more flexibility than a 401(k).

If you're covered by an eligible health plan, you can contribute to your HSA in several ways. Use electronic funds transfer (EFT) or electronic direct deposit. Make one-time or recurring direct deposits from a linked bank account. You can update your recurring deposit amounts any time.

Think of your HSA as a home for your medical money. Just like a brokerage account or an IRA, you'll need to put money into the account before you buy investments. Then, after you fund the account, you can start investing.

If you keep a relatively small balance in your HSA or you plan to regularly tap the account, it could make sense to go with low-risk, low-return options such as money market funds. That way you'll be sure that your money will be there when you need it to pay bills.

For example, some plans might match contributions up to 6% of your pay, so in this case, you'd want to contribute a minimum of 6%—you don't want to miss out on employer matching contributions. Next, contribute up to the maximum amount for your HSA, due to the triple tax advantages.