| Who Can Have an HSA Who is eligible for
a Health Savings Account?
To be eligible for a Health Savings Account, an individual must be
covered by a HSA-qualified High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and must
not be covered by other health insurance that is not an HDHP. Certain
types of insurance are not considered “health insurance” (see below) and
will not jeopardize your eligibility for an HSA.
Can I get an HSA even if I have
other insurance that pays medical bills?
You are only allowed to have automobile, dental, vision, disability and
long-term care insurance at the same time as an HDHP. You may also have
coverage for a specific disease or illness as long as it pays a specific
dollar amount when the policy is triggered. Wellness programs offered by
your employer are also permitted if they do not pay significant medical
benefits.
Does the HDHP policy have to be in my name to open an HSA?
No, the policy does not have to be in your name. As long as you have
coverage under the HDHP policy, you can be eligible for an HSA (assuming
you meet the other eligibility requirements for contributing to an HSA).
You can still be eligible for an HSA even if the policy is in your
spouse’s name.
I don’t have health insurance,
can I get an HSA?
You cannot establish and contribute to an HSA unless you have coverage
under a HDHP.
I’m on Medicare, can I have an
HSA?
You are not eligible for an HSA after you have enrolled in Medicare. If
you had an HSA before you enrolled in Medicare, you can keep it.
However, you cannot continue to make contributions to an HSA after you
enroll in Medicare.
I am a Veteran, can I have an HSA?
If you have received any health benefits from the Veterans
Administration or one of their facilities, including prescription drugs,
in the last three months, you are not eligible for an HSA.
I’m active-duty military and
have Tricare coverage, can I have an HSA?
At this time, Tricare does not offer an HDHP options so you are not
eligible for an HSA.
My employer offers an FSA, can I
have both an FSA and an HSA?
You can have both types of accounts, but only under certain
circumstances. General Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs) will
probably make you ineligible for an HSA. If your employer offers a
“limited purpose” (limited to dental, vision or preventive care) or
“post-deductible” (pay for medical expenses after the plan deductible is
met) FSA, then you can still be eligible for an HSA.
My employer offers an HRA, can I
have both an HRA and an HSA?
You can have both types of accounts, but only under certain
circumstances. General Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) will
probably make you ineligible for an HSA. If your employer offers a
“limited purpose” (limited to dental, vision or preventive care) or
“post-deductible” (pay for medical expenses after the plan deductible is
met) HRA, then you can still be eligible for an HSA. If your employer
contributes to an HRA that can only be used when you retire, you can
still be eligible for an HSA.
My spouse has an FSA or HRA through their employer, can I
have HSA?
You cannot have an HSA if your spouse’s FSA or HRA can pay for any of
your medical expenses before your HDHP deductible is met.
I don’t have a job, can I have an HSA?
Yes, if you have coverage under an HDHP. You do not have to have earned
income from employment – in other words, the money can be from your own
personal savings, income from dividends, unemployment or welfare
benefits, etc.
Does my income affect whether I can have an HSA?
There are no income limits that affect HSA eligibility. However, if you
do not file a federal income tax return, you may not receive all the tax
benefits HSAs offer.
Can I start an HSA for my
child?
No, you cannot establish separate accounts for your dependent children,
including children who can legally be claimed as a dependent on your tax
return.
I’m a single parent with HDHP coverage but have
child/relative that can be claimed as a dependent for tax purposes, and
this dependent also has non-HDHP coverage. Am I still eligible for an
HSA?
Yes, you are still eligible for an HSA. Your dependent’s non-HDHP
coverage does not affect your eligibility, even if they are covered by
your HDHP. |