Health care costs are rising for everyone, but as an older adult, you may face more challenges than the general population. For those worried about their financial future and ability to retire, the prospect of medical care is an additional concern. For instance, aging adults tend to face more chronic conditions and medical problems, leading to higher medical and prescription costs.
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are a growing trend and are often promoted as a valuable money-saving option. You may be wondering if an HSA is a smart option for you based on your unique medical circumstances, especially since use of Medicare will make you ineligible for an HSA. Regardless of this, the benefits of an HSA can be substantial for adults nearing retirement age.
HSAs are paired with a high-deductible health plans (HDHP). This may concern some older adults with chronic medical conditions, as HDHPs involve more out-of-pocket costs than a traditional health plans with lower deductibles. It is important to remember, however, that the HSA provides a valuable savings component that can be used either to pay for out-of-pocket costs tax-free or to save money for the future. Here are some advantages of an HSA:
- Lower premiums – This means there is more cash to invest in the HSA and to eventually put toward the deductible (as opposed to higher monthly premiums associated with traditional health plans).
- Portability – If your employment situation changes, you keep the HSA and have the benefit of past investments.
- Employer contributions – Many employers contribute to their employees’ HSAs each year. If yours offers this as a benefit, it can boost your ability to save.
- Tax-free savings with tax-free interest – HSAs provide tax-free funds to pay medical bills and allow funds to accumulate tax-free interest to help you save for the future. Once you turn 65 and are eligible for Medicare, you can use those funds for anything without a penalty, making it a valuable retirement savings tool.
- The catch-up contribution – In addition to the annual limit for HSA contributions, people ages 55 to 65 can contribute an extra $1,000 per year.
It is important to be aware of potential drawbacks that come with HSAs. If you have many out-of-pocket medical expenses, you may struggle to use your HSA for retirement savings since funds will be needed for current health care costs. In addition, the desire to take advantage of the HSA as a savings tool may lead some individuals to forgo medical care or prescription drugs that they need. This is almost never a good idea, as it can lead to more serious (and expensive) medical complications down the road. If you are considering an HSA, examine the benefits and potential risks and be sure to discuss with your family.
