The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) made several changes to the eligibility rules for health savings accounts (HSAs). With an HSA, you can set aside money on a pre-tax basis to cover future healthcare costs, and later withdraw funds from the account tax-free to pay qualifying expenses. The new rules allow more people to create and contribute to HSAs.

In general, you must have health insurance classified as a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) in order to contribute to an HSA. However, beginning January 1, 2026, health insurance plans classified as bronze or catastrophic will generally be considered HSA-compatible. Therefore, people who participate in these plans may still be eligible to contribute to an HSA. This new rule applies both to plans purchased through the official Health Insurance Marketplace (also called the Exchanges) and those purchased elsewhere.

Similarly, as long as they meet other eligibility rules, people who enroll in direct primary care (DPC) arrangements may qualify to contribute to HSAs, and use HSA funds to pay DPC fees. In addition, the OBBBA extended rules enacted during the pandemic that allow HDHPs to cover telehealth and video doctor visits before a person has met their plan deductible. RTW can help you determine whether you qualify to contribute to an HSA, and if so, help you plan contributions and withdrawals to maximize tax benefits.