Question: I’m now on Medicare, but I had opened a health savings account when I was still working and was covered by a high-deductible health insurance policy. Can I transfer funds from a traditional IRA to a health savings account now? How much can be transferred?
Answer:
You can only transfer money from an IRA to an HSA if you’re eligible to make new HSA contributions. Because you’ve enrolled in Medicare, you can no longer contribute to your HSA, although you can use the money in the account tax-free for eligible medical expenses. And now that you’re over 65, these expenses include Medicare parts B and D as well as Medicare Advantage premiums.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
People who still qualify to make HSA contributions can make a one-time rollover from an IRA to an HSA, which can be a good way to build up the account if you don’t have other cash to contribute. You must currently have an HSA-eligible health insurance policy with a deductible of at least $1,300 for single coverage or $2,600 for family coverage. The amount you can roll over is the same as your annual HSA contribution limit -- up to $3,400 in 2017 if you have single coverage or $6,750 if you have family coverage, plus an extra $1,000 if you’re 55 or older. The annual contribution limit is the same, whether the money is coming from cash or an IRA rollover or a combination of the two.
You must transfer the money directly from the IRA to the HSA for the rollover to be tax-free, says Eric Dowley, senior vice president of HSAs for Fidelity. Contact your HSA administrator to find out how to do this. You can only roll money over from an IRA to an HSA once in your lifetime.
By doing a rollover, you’re converting tax-deferred dollars into tax-free money if you use the withdrawals from the HSA for medical expenses. But you’ll get an even better tax benefit if you can contribute new money to the HSA instead. That way, you can keep more money growing tax-deferred in the IRA and get a tax deduction for the new HSA contribution.
For more information about HSAs, see 10 Things You Need to Know About Health Savings Accounts. For more about the rules for rolling over money from an IRA to an HSA, see this IRS Bulletin.
-
Here's How To Get Organized And Work For YourselfWhether you’re looking for a side gig or planning to start your own business, it has never been easier to strike out on your own. Here is our guide to navigating working for yourself.
-
How to Manage Risk With Diversification"Don't put all your eggs in one basket" means different things to different investors. Here's how to manage your risk with portfolio diversification.
-
Medicare or Medicare Advantage: Which Is Right for You?From overall costs to availability of care, here's what to know about the differences between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.
-
What Does Medicare Not Cover? Seven Things You Should KnowHealthy Living on a Budget Medicare Part A and Part B leave gaps in your healthcare coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too.
-
Is a Medicare Advantage Plan Right for You?Medicare Advantage plans can provide additional benefits beneficiaries can't get through original Medicare for no or a low monthly premium. But there are downsides to this insurance too.
-
Medicare Advantage 2024 Plans Dip in RatingsMedicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans lose 'star' on the CMS performance score card.
-
Considering a Medicare Advantage Plan? Be Wary of PromisesThese private insurance alternatives to Medicare are growing in popularity at the same time they’re under scrutiny for their sales tactics and coverage.
-
Medicare Open Enrollment Occurs Annually from October to December — Here's What You Need to KnowMedicare open enrollment is underway. Here's what you need to get done.
-
4 (Imperfect) Ways Retirees Can Pay for Dental Carehealth insurance Since Medicare doesn't provide dental benefits, seniors must consider other options to cover this need.
-
Get Free Over-the-Counter COVID Tests Through MedicareMedicare Beneficiaries can get up to eight tests a month through both original Medicare and Advantage plans.
