Medicare/HSA/FSA

[TaxGuyTom]

Sorry about the length, but context is important.

I started Medicare on 04-01-21.  I had been covered under COBRA provisions, and as such, am able to contribute a pro-rated 3 months towards my HSA (previous plan was a HDHP) for 2021.

I continue to work post career, and my new employer is offering a FSA.  Can I use that, and reduce usage of my HSA?

Thanks, Tom

[BillM223]

Because you are on Medicare, you can no longer contribute to your HSA. Thus, you can continue to use HSA dollars to pay for qualified medical expenses until the HSA balance goes to zero.

The effect of the FSA on your HSA is the same as Medicare; if you (or your spouse) are covered by an FSA. then you cannot contribute to an HSA.

Even with Medicare, you can use the HSA for any unreimbursed expenses until the HSA balance goes to zero...just be sure that you don't pay for the same expense with both the HSA and the FSA.

You can certainly use your FSA instead of your HSA.

Does that cover what you want to know?

[TaxGuyTom]

You got part of it.

Question, can I start a new FSA while I am on Medicare?

[AliciaP1]

Yes. As @BillM223 said, "You can certainly use your FSA instead of your HSA."

[TaxGuyTom]

Can you START a FSA?

[AliciaP1 · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can start an FSA during your enrollment period with your employer.