Can you use your Health Equity HSA for your spouse’s medical bills? Absolutely yes – and it’s easier than you might think!

Your Health Savings Account (HSA) isn’t just for your own medical expenses. You can use that Health Equity card to cover qualified medical costs for your spouse too, whether they’re on your insurance plan or not.

But like most things involving money and the government, there are some rules to follow. Let’s break down exactly how this works so you can make the most of your hard-earned HSA dollars!

Using Your HSA For Your Spouse: What You Need To Know

So you’ve got this magical Health Equity HSA card with tax-free money on it. Great! But can you swipe it for your spouse’s root canal or eye exam?

The short answer: Yes, you can use your HSA for your spouse’s medical expenses as long as they’re your legally recognized spouse according to IRS rules.

The even better news? They don’t even need to be covered under your health insurance plan for their expenses to qualify. Talk about a win-win!

Who Qualifies For Your HSA Funds?

Your HSA money can pay for qualified medical expenses for:

• You (obviously)
• Your spouse (legally married)
• Any dependents you claim on your tax return

Notice what’s missing from this list? Domestic partners. Sorry, but unless your domestic partner qualifies as your tax dependent, their medical expenses aren’t eligible for your HSA funds according to IRS guidelines.

What Spouse Expenses Are Covered?

Your spouse’s qualified medical expenses can include:

• Deductibles and copays
• Prescription medications
• Dental cleanings and fillings
• Vision exams and glasses
• Chiropractor visits
• Mental health counseling
• And many, many more!

Basically, if it’s considered a qualified medical expense by the IRS, you can use your HSA to pay for it – whether it’s for you or your spouse.

According to the Health Savings Account guidelines, qualified expenses are generally the kinds of costs that would qualify for the medical and dental expenses deduction.

How To Pay For Your Spouse’s Medical Expenses

You’ve got options!

1. Direct payment: Use your Health Equity card at the doctor’s office, pharmacy, or dentist
2. Reimbursement: Pay out-of-pocket first, then reimburse yourself from your HSA later
3. Online payments: Log into your Health Equity account and pay providers directly

Pro tip: Even if you forget your HSA card when paying for your spouse’s medical expenses, keep the receipt! You can reimburse yourself days, months, or even years later through your Health Equity account portal.

Contribution Limits And Catch-Up Bonuses

For 2025, you can contribute:

• $3,850 for individual coverage
• $7,750 for family coverage

But wait, there’s more!

If you or your spouse is 55 or older, each of you can make an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution annually. That’s right – both of you can make catch-up contributions to the same HSA if you’re both over 55, effectively doubling your catch-up potential according to the latest federal provisions.

Common Questions About Spouse HSA Eligibility

“My spouse has their own insurance. Can I still use my HSA?”

Yes! Even if your spouse has separate insurance coverage, you can use your HSA for their qualified medical expenses.

“What if we’re separated but not divorced?”

If you’re still legally married according to the IRS (generally meaning you don’t have a final divorce decree), their expenses still qualify.

“Does my spouse need their own HSA card?”

Not necessarily. You can use your card for their expenses, or they can potentially get an authorized user card – check with Health Equity about their specific policies on additional cards.

Important Reminders

• Keep those receipts! The IRS loves documentation
• Using HSA funds for non-qualified expenses means paying income tax PLUS a 20% penalty
• Contribution limits can change yearly, so stay updated

When in doubt about whether an expense qualifies, check the IRS Publication 502 or talk to your tax advisor.

Bottom Line

Your Health Equity HSA is a powerful financial tool for both you AND your spouse. Use it wisely, keep good records, and enjoy the tax benefits while taking care of your family’s health needs.

Remember – this is your money set aside for healthcare. Don’t leave it sitting unused when you or your spouse have qualified medical expenses to pay!