Are you Buried in Medical Bills?
One little Known Rule Could Help...
Worried about healthcare costs in retirement? Have a big
medical expense and don't know how you will pay? Maybe you were laid off but
still need to pay for essential prescription drugs? You might already have the
cash you need but did not know you could access: Your IRA!
IRA's can be an incredibly powerful tool to save for
retirement offering tax-deductible contributions and tax-deferred growth of
your assets. However, you must pay taxes once you withdraw the funds, there is
a 10% penalty for early withdrawals before 59 ½, and you must begin taking
distributions at 72 whether you need the money or not. HSA accounts offered
through a high deductible healthcare plan offer these same benefits, but there
is no penalty on withdrawals used for qualified medical expenses, you will
never be required to withdraw the funds if you do not need them, and the funds
can stay invested once you meet your provider's minimum (typically around
$2,000.) They are a true triple threat with tax deductible contributions, tax
deferred growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses.
If you are worried about healthcare costs in retirement, or maybe
in a bind with medical bills to pay, you might consider accessing your
retirement funds via a qualified HSA funding distribution. Otherwise known as
an IRA to HSA rollover, the IRS allows you to make a one-time rollover of funds
from your IRA to an eligible HSA account tax-free. The maximum you're allowed
to transfer is the same as your HSA contribution limit for the year, minus any
contributions you have already made.
For 2021, the limits are:
- $3,600 for individuals, with an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution if you are 55 or older.
- $7,200 for family coverage, with the same $1,000 catch-up contribution.
With the average IRA account balance reaching $130,000 in
2021, it may make sense to convert some of your funds to help ease a financial
burden today. While it is almost always better to fund an HSA with new money
since you get a tax deduction on your contribution, your IRA could act as an
immediate get out of debt card if any you have unpaid medical bills and money
is tight.
It is important to note that you are required to remain a
participant in your HDHP for one year following the rollover to avoid taxes and
a potential 10% penalty. If you are considering this little-known move, make
sure you do your research and consult your tax and financial advisor beforehand
so that you understand the impact this could have on your retirement. After
all, that's why you contributed to your IRA in the first place.
If you would like to receive more information on making smart money moves for your future, be sure to contact us today!
