Using a Health Savings Account (HSA)
You can use your Health Savings Account (HSA) funds for qualified medical expenses, and these withdrawals are tax-free. However, if you withdraw funds for non-medical expenses before age 65, the withdrawals are subject to income tax and a 20% penalty.
Here's a more detailed breakdown on using Your HSA Funds:
Qualified Medical Expenses: You can use HSA funds to pay for a wide range of qualified medical expenses, including doctor visits, prescriptions, dental care, vision care, and more.
Tax-Free Withdrawals: When used for qualified medical expenses, withdrawals from your HSA are tax-free, and the money grows tax-free within the account.
Unused Funds: Unused HSA funds roll over year to year, so there is no "use it or lose it" penalty.
Investing: You can also invest your HSA funds, allowing them to grow tax-free over time.
Reimbursement: You can reimburse yourself for qualified medical expenses you paid out-of-pocket.
Non-Qualified Withdrawals:
Before Age 65: If you withdraw funds for non-qualified expenses before age 65, the withdrawals are subject to income tax and a 20% penalty.
After Age 65: At age 65 and older, you can withdraw funds for non-qualified expenses without the 20% penalty, but the withdrawals will still be subject to income tax.
Example: If you withdraw $1,000 for a non-qualified expense, you'll owe income tax on that $1,000 and a $200 penalty (20% of $1,000).
Some other important considerations are outlined below:
Keep Records: It's essential to keep detailed records of your qualified medical expenses to support any withdrawals from your HSA.
Tax Implications: Be aware of the tax implications of both qualified and non-qualified withdrawals.
HSA vs. Traditional Health Plans: HSAs are designed for individuals with high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), as they allow for tax-advantaged savings for healthcare expenses.
Maximize Contributions: Contributing the maximum annual HSA contribution and investing for the long term can help you get the most benefit from your HSA.
"Last Month" Rule: If you are an eligible individual and you are enrolled in a high-deductible health plan, you can contribute to your HSA even if you are not enrolled in the plan for the entire year.