Can Anyone Open an HSA Account?

By Michael Ruger, CFP®
Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Greenbush Financial Group

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are one of the most tax-advantaged accounts available and can be a powerful tool for paying healthcare costs in retirement. Contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, the account grows tax-deferred, and distributions are tax-free when used for qualified medical expenses. However, not everyone is eligible to contribute to an HSA, and understanding the eligibility rules is critical.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• Who is eligible to contribute to an HSA

• What qualifies as a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

• 2026 HSA contribution limits

• Special rules when approaching age 65 and Medicare

• Frequently asked questions about HSA eligibility

Who Is Eligible to Contribute to an HSA?

To contribute to an HSA, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• You must be enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

• You cannot be covered by any other non-HDHP health insurance

• You cannot be enrolled in Medicare

• You cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return

The most common way people become eligible for an HSA is through their employer-sponsored high deductible health insurance plan. If your employer’s health insurance plan is not classified as a high deductible plan, then you are not eligible to contribute to an HSA.

What Qualifies as a High Deductible Health Plan in 2026?

Each year, the IRS defines what qualifies as a High Deductible Health Plan. For 2026, a plan must meet the following minimum deductible and maximum out-of-pocket limits:

If your health insurance plan does not meet these thresholds, it is not considered HSA-eligible, and you cannot contribute to an HSA.

HSA Contribution Limits for 2026

The IRS also sets contribution limits each year. For 2026, the HSA contribution limits are:

These limits include both employee and employer contributions combined. So if your employer contributes to your HSA, that amount counts toward the total annual limit.

Because these limits are indexed for inflation, they typically increase slightly each year.

Be Careful as You Approach Age 65 (Medicare Rule)

There is a very important rule regarding HSAs and Medicare that many people are not aware of:

Once you enroll in Medicare, you can no longer contribute to an HSA.

However, there is an additional rule that affects individuals who work past age 65 and delay Medicare.

The 6-Month Medicare Retroactive Rule

When someone enrolls in Medicare Part A after age 65, Medicare coverage is retroactive for 6 months (but not earlier than age 65).

Because of this:

• You must stop HSA contributions 6 months before applying for Medicare

• Otherwise, those contributions become excess contributions

• Excess contributions can result in tax penalties if not corrected

Example

Let’s say someone is 67, still working, and contributing to an HSA.
If they plan to enroll in Medicare in December, they should stop HSA contributions by June of that year.

If they do not, they may need to withdraw excess contributions and potentially pay penalties.

Important Exception

If you enroll in Medicare right at age 65, you do not need to stop contributions 6 months early because Medicare cannot retroactively start before age 65.

Why HSAs Can Be So Valuable

HSAs are often used as a retirement healthcare savings account because:

• Contributions are pre-tax

• Growth is tax-deferred

• Withdrawals are tax-free for medical expenses

• After age 65, withdrawals for non-medical expenses are penalty-free (taxable only)

Because healthcare is often one of the largest expenses in retirement, many individuals choose to save their HSA funds during their working years and use them later in retirement.

About Michael……...

Hi, I’m Michael Ruger. I’m the managing partner of Greenbush Financial Group and the creator of the nationally recognized Money Smart Board blog . I created the blog because there are a lot of events in life that require important financial decisions. The goal is to help our readers avoid big financial missteps, discover financial solutions that they were not aware of, and to optimize their financial future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can anyone open an HSA account?
   No. You must be enrolled in a qualified High Deductible Health Plan.
2. Can I contribute to an HSA if I am self-employed?
   Yes, as long as you have an HSA-eligible high deductible health insurance plan.
3. Can I contribute to an HSA if I am on Medicare?
   No. Once enrolled in Medicare, you can no longer contribute.
4. Can my employer contribute to my HSA?
   Yes, and employer contributions count toward the annual limit.
5. What happens if I contribute to an HSA while on Medicare?
   Those contributions are considered excess contributions and may be subject to penalties.
6. Can both spouses contribute to an HSA?
   Yes, if both spouses are eligible and covered by an HSA-qualified plan.
7. Do HSA contribution limits change each year?
   Yes, they are typically adjusted annually for inflation.
8. What is the catch-up contribution for people over age 55?
   An additional $1,000 per year.
9. Can I still use my HSA after I go on Medicare?
   Yes, you just cannot contribute anymore.
10. What happens if I exceed the HSA contribution limit?
    You may have to withdraw the excess contribution and could owe penalties if not corrected.

Health Savings Account Distribution Tax and Penalty Rules

By Michael Ruger, CFP®
Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Greenbush Financial Group

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are one of the most tax-advantaged accounts available, but the tax treatment of distributions depends on how the money is used and the age of the account owner. There are essentially four different distribution scenarios that HSA owners can run into, and each scenario has different tax and penalty rules that are important to understand.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• The four HSA distribution scenarios

• Tax treatment before age 65

• Tax treatment after age 65

• Why HSAs are so valuable for retirement planning

• Advanced HSA distribution strategies

• Common HSA distribution mistakes to avoid

• Frequently asked questions about HSA distributions

Why HSA Accounts Are So Valuable

Health Savings Accounts are unique because they offer a rare triple tax advantage:

1. Contributions are made pre-tax

2. The account grows tax-deferred

3. Distributions are tax-free if used for qualified medical expenses

Very few accounts receive this type of tax treatment. Traditional retirement accounts are tax-deferred, and Roth accounts are tax-free on the way out, but HSAs can be tax-free on both the contribution and distribution side when used correctly.

Because of this, many financial planners recommend not spending HSA funds during working years if possible, and instead allowing the account to grow and using it later in retirement when healthcare costs are typically much higher.

The Four HSA Distribution Scenarios

There are four main distribution scenarios that determine whether you owe taxes and/or penalties on HSA withdrawals:

Let’s walk through each scenario.

Distributions Prior to Age 65 (Qualified Medical Expenses)

If you take a distribution from an HSA before age 65 and use the money for a qualified medical expense, the distribution is:

• Tax-free

• Penalty-free

This is the ideal use of an HSA. Qualified expenses can include:

• Doctor visits

• Deductibles and coinsurance

• Dental and vision care

• Hearing aids

• Prescription medications

• Medicare premiums (after age 65)

• Medical equipment

In these cases, the HSA functions exactly as intended — a tax-free healthcare account.

Distributions Prior to Age 65 (Non-Qualified Expenses)

If you take a distribution before age 65 and the expense is not qualified, the distribution is:

• Subject to ordinary income tax

• Subject to a 20% penalty

For example, if someone is in a 30% tax bracket and takes a non-qualified distribution:

• 30% tax

• 20% penalty

• Total loss = 50% of the distribution

This is why it is usually recommended to preserve HSA funds for medical expenses whenever possible.

Distributions Age 65 or Older (Qualified Medical Expenses)

This scenario works the same as before age 65.

If the distribution is used for qualified medical expenses, the withdrawal is:

• Tax-free

• Penalty-free

This is why HSAs are often used as a retirement healthcare fund.

Common qualified expenses in retirement include:

• Medicare Part B premiums

• Medicare Part D premiums

• Medicare Advantage premiums

• Out-of-pocket medical expenses

• Deductibles and coinsurance

• Dental and vision care

• Hearing aids

• Medical equipment

Distributions Age 65 or Older (Non-Qualified Expenses)

This is where the rules change.

After age 65, if you take money from an HSA for non-qualified expenses:

• You pay ordinary income tax

• No 20% penalty

At this point, the HSA starts to function similarly to a Traditional IRA. The money can be used for anything, but it becomes taxable income if not used for medical expenses.

This provides flexibility in retirement in case the funds are needed for non-medical expenses.

Important Rule: Reimbursed Expenses Do NOT Qualify

One important rule that retirees need to be aware of:

If a medical expense is reimbursed by insurance or a former employer, you cannot also take a tax-free HSA distribution for that same expense.

For example:

• Some retirees have employer retiree health plans that reimburse Medicare premiums.

• If the retiree is reimbursed for Medicare Part B or Part D, those expenses cannot also be reimbursed from the HSA tax-free.

This would be considered a non-qualified distribution, and taxes would apply.

Advanced HSA Distribution Strategies

There are several advanced strategies that can make HSAs even more powerful:

1. Save Receipts and Reimburse Yourself Later

There is no time limit on when you reimburse yourself from an HSA for a qualified expense, as long as:

• The expense occurred after the HSA was established

• You kept the receipt

This means someone could:

• Pay medical expenses out-of-pocket during working years

• Allow the HSA to grow

• Reimburse themselves years later tax-free

This effectively turns the HSA into a tax-free retirement account.

2. Use HSA for Medicare Premiums

HSA funds can be used tax-free for:

• Medicare Part B

• Medicare Part D

• Medicare Advantage

(This becomes a built-in retirement healthcare fund.)

3. Treat HSA Like a Backup Traditional IRA

After age 65, if needed, HSA funds can be withdrawn for non-medical expenses and simply taxed as income, with no penalty.

Common HSA Distribution Mistakes

Some of the most common mistakes include:

• Using HSA funds for non-qualified expenses before 65

• Losing receipts for reimbursement

• Using HSA funds for reimbursed expenses

• Spending HSA funds during working years instead of investing them

• Not investing HSA funds for long-term growth

• Forgetting that non-qualified withdrawals before 65 have a 20% penalty

About Michael……...

Hi, I’m Michael Ruger. I’m the managing partner of Greenbush Financial Group and the creator of the nationally recognized Money Smart Board blog . I created the blog because there are a lot of events in life that require important financial decisions. The goal is to help our readers avoid big financial missteps, discover financial solutions that they were not aware of, and to optimize their financial future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I pay taxes on HSA distributions?
   Only if the distribution is used for a non-qualified expense.
2. What is the penalty for non-qualified HSA withdrawals before age 65?
   A 20% penalty plus ordinary income tax.
3. What happens to the penalty after age 65?
   The 20% penalty goes away, but distributions are still taxable if not used for medical expenses.
4. Can I use my HSA for Medicare premiums?
   Yes, for Medicare Part B, Part D, and Medicare Advantage.
5. Can I reimburse myself years later from my HSA?
   Yes, as long as the expense occurred after the HSA was established and you kept the receipt.
6. Are HSA distributions reported on a tax return?
   Yes, distributions are reported on IRS Form 8889.
7. Can I use my HSA for my spouse's medical expenses?
   Yes, even if your spouse is not on your health insurance plan.
8. What happens to my HSA when I turn 65?
   You can still use it tax-free for medical expenses, and penalty-free for non-medical expenses (taxable).
9. Can I use my HSA for dental and vision expenses?
   Yes, most dental and vision expenses qualify.
10. Is an HSA better than a 401(k)?
    For medical expenses, an HSA can be more tax-efficient because it is tax-free on both contributions and qualified distributions.

In Retirement, What Healthcare Costs Can Be Paid from an HSA Account?

By Michael Ruger, CFP®
Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Greenbush Financial Group

As people approach retirement, or enter retirement, healthcare costs often become one of the largest expenses in a financial plan. The good news is that Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can be a powerful tool to help cover many of these costs using tax-free dollars. However, not every healthcare expense qualifies, so it’s important to understand both what can and cannot be paid from an HSA in retirement.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• Which Medicare premiums are HSA-eligible

• Whether COBRA premiums qualify

• Dental, vision, and hearing expenses

• Out-of-pocket medical costs

• Medical equipment and prescriptions

• Expenses that are not HSA-eligible

• HSA withdrawal rules before and after age 65

• Frequently asked HSA questions in retirement

Medicare Premiums

One of the most common uses for HSA funds in retirement is paying for Medicare premiums. HSA distributions can be used tax-free for:

• Medicare Part B premiums

• Medicare Part D premiums

• Medicare Advantage (Part C) premiums

However, Medigap (Medicare Supplement) premiums are not considered a qualified HSA expense, even though Medicare Advantage plans are. This is a commonly misunderstood rule and an important one for retirees to be aware of when planning healthcare costs.

COBRA Coverage

If you retire before age 65 or leave an employer and elect COBRA coverage, those health insurance premiums can be paid from an HSA. This can be especially helpful for early retirees who need to bridge the gap before Medicare begins.

Dental, Vision, and Hearing Expenses

Dental, vision, and hearing costs are some of the most common out-of-pocket healthcare expenses in retirement — especially since many retirees no longer have employer coverage for these services.

HSA-eligible expenses include:

• Dental cleanings, fillings, crowns, dentures, braces, and X-rays

• Vision exams, eyeglasses, contact lenses, and LASIK surgery

• Hearing aids and hearing aid batteries

Hearing aids alone can cost several thousand dollars, making the HSA a valuable tax-free resource for these expenses.

Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses

Many routine healthcare costs in retirement are HSA-eligible, including:

• Doctor visits

• Specialist visits

• Hospital services

• Co-pays

• Deductibles

• Coinsurance

• Surgery costs

• Lab work and imaging

These are often the “everyday” medical expenses retirees experience each year.

Medical Equipment

If medical equipment is needed later in retirement, many of these expenses qualify for HSA distributions, including:

• Walkers

• Wheelchairs

• Blood pressure monitors

• Crutches

• CPAP machines

• Glucose monitors

Prescription Medications

Prescription drugs that are prescribed by a doctor are qualified HSA expenses.

However, over-the-counter medications typically do NOT qualify unless they are prescribed by a physician.

Expenses That Are NOT HSA-Eligible

Some healthcare-related expenses are not considered qualified medical expenses. These typically include:

• Gym memberships

• Nutritional supplements

• Cosmetic procedures

• Teeth whitening

• General health items not prescribed by a doctor

Even though these may improve health, they are not considered qualified medical expenses under HSA rules.

Why HSAs Are So Powerful for Retirement

HSAs are one of the most tax-advantaged accounts available because they offer:

• Tax-deductible contributions

• Tax-free growth

• Tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses

Because healthcare costs are often highest in retirement, many individuals choose to pay for medical expenses out-of-pocket during their working years and allow their HSA to grow, using it later in retirement when healthcare costs increase.

HSA Withdrawal Rules: Before and After Age 65

It’s also important to understand the rules around HSA withdrawals:

• Before age 65

  • Non-qualified withdrawals = taxable income + 20% penalty

• After age 65

  • Non-qualified withdrawals = taxable income only (no penalty)

  • Works similar to a Traditional IRA if not used for healthcare

This provides additional flexibility later in retirement.

About Michael……...

Hi, I’m Michael Ruger. I’m the managing partner of Greenbush Financial Group and the creator of the nationally recognized Money Smart Board blog . I created the blog because there are a lot of events in life that require important financial decisions. The goal is to help our readers avoid big financial missteps, discover financial solutions that they were not aware of, and to optimize their financial future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can HSA funds be used for Medicare premiums?
   Yes, for Medicare Part B, Part D, and Medicare Advantage premiums.
2. Can HSA funds be used for Medigap premiums?
   No, Medigap premiums are not considered a qualified expense.
3. Can I use my HSA for dental expenses in retirement?
   Yes, most dental expenses qualify.
4. Are vision expenses HSA-eligible?
   Yes, including exams, glasses, contacts, and LASIK.
5. Are hearing aids covered by an HSA?
   Yes, including hearing aid batteries.
6. Can I use my HSA for COBRA premiums?
   Yes, COBRA premiums are a qualified expense.
7. Are prescription drugs HSA-eligible?
   Yes, if prescribed by a doctor.
8. Are over-the-counter medications HSA-eligible?
   Typically no, unless prescribed by a physician.
9. What happens if I use HSA money for non-medical expenses before 65?
   You will owe income tax and a 20% penalty.
10. What happens if I use HSA money for non-medical expenses after 65?
    You will owe income tax, but no penalty.

How Much Life Insurance Should I Have?

Many people know they should have life insurance, but few know how much is enough. The right coverage amount depends on your income, debt, family size, and long-term goals. Whether you’re buying a policy for the first time or re-evaluating an old one, having the right number matters.

This guide breaks down how to determine your ideal coverage—and why the wrong number can leave your family exposed.

Why Life Insurance Matters

Life insurance provides a financial safety net for your loved ones if you pass away unexpectedly. The payout can help:

• Replace your income

• Cover your mortgage and debts

• Fund your children's education

• Pay for funeral expenses

• Maintain your family’s lifestyle

At its core, life insurance is about protecting the people who rely on you. It offers them financial time and stability during one of the hardest periods of their lives.

What Happens If You’re Underinsured?

A coverage gap could leave your spouse unable to afford the mortgage or force your children to delay college. Even a shortfall of $250,000 can mean long-term consequences like selling the family home, lifestyle changes for your family, dipping into retirement accounts, or accumulating debt.

Many people mistakenly believe their employer policy or small individual plan is “good enough.” In reality, it often isn’t.

How to Estimate Your Need?

Several variables play into estimating the need for life insurance, but it mostly comes back down to why life insurance matters and who you are trying to protect.  When analyzing insurance coverage for financial planning clients, we focus on debt, income, future expenses, and retirement benefits (i.e. a future pension).

Let’s consider a typical family of four with the following assumptions.

• Husband – Age 45 with Income of $75,000

• Wife – Age 43 with Income of $150,000

• 2 Children – Age 3 and 7

• Mortgage - $350,000

• Husband Pension – $225,000 (Lump Sum Present Value of Future Payments)

As you can see in the examples, the amounts for the husband and wife are different.  A lot of families will just obtain the same coverage for each spouse, when the need is often not the same.  We strongly recommend working with a financial professional as there are several other factors that could come into play.  For example, younger couples with children may want more than 5 years of income replacement because they’ve had less time to grow their other assets.  Some folks may sleep better at night with a larger amount.

Term vs. Permanent: What’s the Difference?

Term Life Insurance

• Covers you for a set period (10, 20, or 30 years)

• Ideal for covering temporary obligations like a mortgage or child-rearing years

• Lower monthly cost

Permanent Life Insurance

• Covers you for life

• Includes a cash value component

• Used more often in estate planning or legacy strategies

• Higher cost, more complex

What Type of Insurance Should I Get?

For most people in their working years, term coverage offers the most protection for the lowest cost.  This is typically what we recommend to families to make sure the amount of coverage is sufficient to cover the need.  Over time, most families will continue to accumulate assets, pay down their mortgage, and see the kids grow up and come off the family payroll.  This means that the amount of insurance coverage recommended today could be very different 10-15 years from now.

Term policies are a cost-effective way to cover the need while it is there.  The annual savings from obtaining a term policy over a permanent policy could also be used to execute other financial strategies that may help in the near and long term.

Another cost saving strategy could be to ladder insurance policies over different periods.  In general, the shorter the term period, the lower cost the policy.  If the need for insurance is greater for the next 10 years, obtaining a 10-year policy for part of the need and then a 20- or 30-year policy for the remainder could lower the overall cost.

When Should You Review Your Coverage?

It’s smart to review your life insurance every few years or whenever your life changes. Key moments include:

• Getting married or divorced

• Buying a home

• Having or adopting a child

• Significant changes to income or debt

• Changes to a beneficiary’s needs

These events can shift the amount of coverage you need or how long you need it.

Final Thoughts

Life insurance is not just about numbers—it’s about protecting your family’s future. Whether you need $500,000 or $2 million in coverage depends on your unique circumstances.

Having the wrong amount can leave loved ones exposed. Too little could cause hardship. Too much might waste dollars better used elsewhere.

If you’re unsure how much coverage is right for you, this is a perfect time to consult with a financial advisor who can walk you through the math and build a plan that gives you peace of mind.

Rob Mangold

About Rob……...

Hi, I’m Rob Mangold. I’m the Chief Operating Officer at Greenbush Financial Group and a contributor to the Money Smart Board blog. We created the blog to provide strategies that will help our readers personally, professionally, and financially. Our blog is meant to be a resource. If there are questions that you need answered, please feel free to join in on the discussion or contact me directly.