No, the money in your Health Savings Account (HSA) never expires and remains yours to keep indefinitely - it automatically rolls over year after year, even if you leave your job, change health insurance, or retire.
Why?
HSAs are designed to be long-term savings accounts for healthcare expenses, offering several unique advantages:
- Unlike FSAs, there is no "use-it-or-lose-it" rule
- You own the account and all funds in it (including employer contributions)
- You can save up over time for future medical expenses
- You can invest unused funds to grow your balance tax-free
- The account stays with you regardless of employment changes
Example
If you contribute $3,000 to your HSA this year but only spend $1,000 on medical expenses, the remaining $2,000 will automatically roll over to next year. You could continue to accumulate funds this way over many years, building up a healthcare balance for future needs.
Common Questions
What happens to my HSA if I change jobs?
Your HSA belongs to you, not your employer. You keep all the money in the account and can continue to use it for qualified medical expenses. If your next employer offers an HSA, you may need to set up new payroll contributions with them. Additionally, you may prefer to transfer your HSA to a different custodian following departure from a previous employer.
Can I still contribute to and spend from my HSA if I'm no longer eligible?
While you cannot make new contributions without an eligible high-deductible health plan (HDHP), you can continue to spend any existing funds in your account for qualified medical expenses indefinitely.
Are there limits on how much I can contribute each year?
Yes, the IRS sets annual contribution limits:
2025 HSA Contribution Limits
For 2025, employees with a Health Saving Account (HSA) may elect to contribute up to an annual maximum of:
- $4,300 for self-only coverage
- $8,550 for family coverage
2024 HSA Contribution Limits
For 2024, employees with a Health Saving Account (HSA) may elect to contribute up to an annual maximum of:
- $4,150 for self-only coverage
- $8,300 for family coverage