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Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs)

Definition of MSA

Updated over 5 years ago

Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs) were established before HSAs and are also known as Archer MSAs. They were made available in 1996 to self-employed individuals and employees of smaller businesses. If you have an MSA, you may transfer your funds to your HSA. You may choose to keep both an MSA and an HSA. 

If you contribute to your MSA, your HSA maximum annual contribution limit will be reduced by the amount of contributions to your MSA each year. 

At age 65, you may spend your MSA or HSA monies on whatever you choose, penalty free, but you will have to pay tax on non-qualified distributions.

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