Turning on Social Security at age 70 and HSA contributions

Hello Ms. Savage,

Thanks for your site and WGN talks!

My situation: I will turn 70 in May of this year. I have waited to apply for Social Security benefits to maximize the amount I will receive. I am still working, love what I do (teaching), and plan to work one more year before I retire at the end of June in 2027. I plan to stay on the health plan provided through my school until retirement, so did not plan to get into Medicare Parts B or C until then.

Up until a week ago, I mistakenly thought that I could contribute to my HSA until 6 months before I actually retired. But in an online seminar about retirement last week, I learned that when I start Social Security and enroll in Medicare Part A, the 6 month “look back” apparently starts at the point when I submit a request to Social Security to start my benefit once I turn 70. Thus, I should not be contributing to my HSA any longer.

I have turned off any further HSA contributions, but that leaves me with the fact that I made contributions every month in 2025 and in January of 2026. The total amount contributed for 2025 was well less than I could have put in, but was spread out over the full year. I am aware that I need to return the January 2026 Excess Contributions to Health Equity, but I am somewhat puzzled about what to do with the 2025 contributions. In terms of TIME, contributions were made in September-December (inside the 6 month look back period if I apply in early March to begin in May). In terms of AMOUNT, the contributions across the year added up to less than I could have contributed in larger increments from January to August. So, the basic question is, will Social Security be looking at the overall amount I put in for 2025, or the calendar date timing of HSA contributions I made in 2025?

By the way, I just finished reading your book “Social Security Horror Stories,” so I am properly terrified about making the least mistake that could be used against me. 😉

Thank you.