Who qualifies for an HSA in 2026?

You must be covered by a qualifying High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), have no disqualifying other coverage, not be enrolled in Medicare, and not be claimed as a dependent. General‑purpose FSAs/HRAs usually disqualify you; limited‑purpose or post‑deductible versions may be compatible.

What are the 2026 HSA contribution limits?

Self‑only: $4,400; Family: $8,750. Catch‑up: $1,000 per spouse age 55 or older (each spouse needs their own HSA to make a catch‑up).

What expenses are HSA‑eligible?

Beyond doctor/dental/vision and prescriptions, many therapies, certain programs, supplies, lab work, PT, and childbirth‑related costs can qualify. Eligible expenses generally include those for you, your spouse, and dependents.

Should I invest my HSA or spend it now?

If you can cash‑flow current costs, consider investing the HSA for long‑term tax‑free growth and reimburse yourself later with saved receipts. If not, it’s still powerful for current qualified costs.

Can my business offer HSA options?

Yes—through an HSA‑qualified HDHP. Coordinate plan design (and any HRA/FSA) with a broker so you keep HSA eligibility.

2026 HSA Changes: Triple Your Tax Savings (A CPA’s Guide)

Name: 2026 HSA Changes: Triple Your Tax Savings (A CPA’s Guide)
Uploaded: 2026-01-09:08:00Z
Duration: 8 min 15 s
Description: The IRS raised HSA limits for 2026. Here’s a simple, CPA-built playbook to qualify, fund, invest, and use an HSA’s triple tax advantage—so you cut taxes now, grow tax-free, and spend tax-free later.

The IRS raised HSA limits for 2026. Here’s a simple, CPA-built playbook to qualify, fund, invest, and use an HSA’s triple tax advantage—so you cut taxes now, grow tax-free, and spend tax-free later.

Mia Anne Pham Reeves, CPA, Managing Partner

1/9/2026

Video1/9/20268 min watch3 min read

“Mr. Wonderful wants royalty, equity, and fast ROI. An HSA is the tax world’s version of that deal: tax‑deductible in, tax‑free growth, and tax‑free out for qualified medical expenses.”

Watch the video above, then use this playbook to qualify, fund, invest, and use your HSA like a pro.
Need deadlines and an estimate calculator? Open the Tax Playbook & Estimator.

Why this matters

Most people are behind on savings and underestimate lifetime healthcare costs. An HSA sits at the intersection of healthcare, taxes, and long‑term wealth—one of the rare accounts with three tax wins when used correctly.

Who qualifies (and the 2026 thresholds)

You’re eligible if you’re covered by a qualifying HDHP, have no disqualifying other coverage, are not enrolled in Medicare, and not claimed as someone else’s dependent. General‑purpose FSA/HRA usually disqualifies you; limited‑purpose (dental/vision) or post‑deductible versions may be compatible.

2026 HDHP minimums (plan must meet or exceed):

Deductible: $1,700 self‑only; $3,400 family
Out‑of‑pocket max (in‑network): typically capped higher—check your plan document

2026 HSA contribution limits:

$4,400 self‑only
$8,750 family
Catch‑up: $1,000 per spouse age 55 or older (each spouse needs their own HSA to make a catch‑up)

Quick check: your insurance card and Summary of Benefits show the deductible/OOP max. Confirm HSA eligibility with your insurer or benefits portal.

The triple tax advantage (the “term sheet”)

Tax‑deductible going in
Every dollar you contribute reduces your taxable income.
Example: at a 37% marginal rate, contributing $8,750 could save $3,237.50 in federal income tax (state tax may add more).
Tax‑free growth
Invest HSA dollars in diversified funds—no tax on interest, dividends, or gains while inside the HSA.
Tax‑free out
Withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax‑free—no age requirement for qualified uses.

Pro tip: If you can cash‑flow expenses today, invest the HSA and save receipts to reimburse yourself later. That preserves more time in the market.

What actually counts as “qualified”

Beyond office visits and prescriptions, eligible expenses can include:

Dental/vision care, lab work, medical supplies, physical therapy
Certain therapies/programs when medically necessary
Childbirth‑related costs
Many OTC items (even via major retailers’ HSA sections)
Expenses generally include those for you, your spouse, and dependents. Keep receipts and note who/what/why.

Long‑term wealth power (why wealthy families love HSAs)

Consistently funding and investing your HSA can build a tax‑free healthcare war chest. For illustration: funding near the family limit each year and earning market‑like returns over decades can compound toward seven figures tax‑free—while also lowering today’s taxes.

If you’re a business owner

You have more levers:

Choose an HSA‑qualified HDHP for you (and possibly your team).
Coordinate any HRA/FSA so you don’t unintentionally disqualify HSA eligibility.
Run contributions via payroll for convenience and potential FICA savings (facts vary).
If you offer stipends or QSEHRA/ICHRA, confirm HSA‑compatibility with your broker.

Your simple HSA setup checklist

Confirm HDHP eligibility for 2026 (deductible & OOP max).
Open/fund your HSA (set recurring payroll or bank transfers).
Invest above your cash buffer—don’t let it sit idle.
Save receipts (who/what/why/date) for reimbursements—now or later.
If married and both 55+, open two HSAs for two catch‑ups.
Coordinate any FSA/HRA to keep HSA eligibility.

Tool: Deadlines & estimates → Tax Playbook & Estimator.

What to do next

Simple start: Turn on recurring contributions to hit your 2026 limit and invest beyond your cash buffer.
Next step: Map your medical spend and save receipts so you can reimburse strategically.
Full service: . We’ll confirm eligibility, set contribution targets, and install an investing + documentation workflow.

Compliance note: Educational only—this isn’t personal tax, legal, or investment advice. Eligibility, limits, and plan design vary. Confirm details with your insurer, benefits admin, and CPA.