Those with high-deductible health insurance may create pre-tax savings for medical bills using health savings accounts (HSAs). Some might consider covering non-traditional costs like gym subscriptions out of HSA money. Although gym memberships help with health, only eligible medical expenses are paid for. Here is everything you gotta know.
A financial adviser can assist you in evaluating how best to incorporate contributing to an HSA into your long-term investment strategy, medical expenditure planning, and tax planning.
Basis of a Health Savings Account
An HSA is a savings account with tax advantages intended to assist with medical bill payments. Those registered in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) only have access to it.
An HSA’s triple tax advantage is among its primary advantages. Contributions are made using pre-tax cash, which decreases your taxable income. The account grows tax-free, and withdrawals for approved medical costs avoid taxes.
HSAs are flexible since contributions roll over year after year, unlike flexible spending accounts (FSAs), which limit you to utilize the money during the plan year. This rollover option enables you to build up funds over time, which may assist pay healthcare bills in retirement.
For 2024, the IRS sets the HSA contribution maximum at $4,150 for individuals and $8,300 for families, with a $1,000 catch-up contribution for those 55 and older. Some HSA providers also provide the option to invest the money in stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, possibly growing your savings for the long term.
HSA Qualified Expenses
HSAs cover many medical expenditures, but not all health-related purchases qualify. To avoid taxes or penalties, the item must fit the IRS definition of a qualifying medical expense. Common examples include:
• Doctor appointments and hospital stays: Payments for visits to a physician, hospital services, and medical treatments are covered by your HSA. This covers co-pays, deductibles, and even some operations.
• Prescription pharmaceuticals: HSA money may be used to pay for prescription medications, as well as over-the-counter drugs provided they are prescribed by a healthcare practitioner.
• Dental and vision care: Dental cleanings, orthodontics, eye examinations, and corrective eyewear such as glasses or contact lenses are considered eligible costs.
• Medical equipment: Medical items including crutches, wheelchairs, and blood glucose monitors are also covered by HSA funds.
Although HSAs are flexible, wellness costs like vitamins or optional cosmetic treatments normally don’t qualify as medical expenses. It’s vital to verify with your HSA provider and examine withdrawal guidelines since non-qualified costs can lead to taxes and penalties.
Is a Gym Membership Covered By Your HSA?
Gym memberships are often not considered eligible medical expenditures under IRS criteria. While physical fitness is crucial, gym subscriptions are often seen as personal or recreational costs rather than a medical requirement. So utilizing HSA money for them might result in taxes and fines.
There are several exceptions. If a doctor recommends a gym membership as part of a treatment plan for a particular medical condition, such as obesity, diabetes, or post-surgery rehabilitation, it may qualify as a medical cost. But, be careful to visit your HSA provider and receive the correct paperwork from your doctor to comply with IRS laws.
For other health-related costs, your HSA may be used for things like physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, or weight-loss programs advised by a doctor, since they are more likely to fulfil the requirements for medical necessity.
Health Savings Tips
Health expenditures may eat into your nest egg quickly. A financial adviser might help you build a strategy to prepare for retirement and pay for health bills. Finding a financial adviser doesn’t have to be hard.
SmartAsset’s free tool connects you with up to three verified financial advisers that service your region, and you may have a free introduction conversation with your advisor matches to select which one you believe is suitable for you. If you’re ready to locate an adviser who can help you reach your financial objectives, get started today.
While an HSA isn’t meant primarily for retirement savings, you may utilize this account to enhance your nest egg. The money in your HSA rolls over year to year, so if you remain healthy in retirement, you might take money from your HSA to pay for day-to-day living expenses or other charges. But, you’ll pay income tax on those payouts.
Bottom Line
A lady evaluating her HSA plan. HSAs may be great for controlling healthcare bills, but gym memberships normally don’t qualify as a medical expense. However, there are exceptions.
Make sure any cost fulfils the IRS definition of a qualifying medical expense to avoid taxes and penalties. For preserving health using HSA money, consider additional eligible costs like doctor visits, prescription drugs, or wellness programs for particular health concerns.
