IRS releases HSA, HDHP figures for 2026

Before June 1 each year,  the Internal Revenue Service must announce inflation-adjusted limits for Health Savings Accounts (HSA) contributions and certain cost-sharing limits on High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs). This year's announcement, covering 2026, was released on May 1, 2025.

The announcement covers changes to the HSA contribution limit, the minimum deductible amount for HDHPs, the maximum out-of-pocket limit for HDHPs, and Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) adjustments.

These changes will go into effect on January 1, 2026. Plan years beginning before that date will continue to use 2025 figures. 

In 2026, eligible individuals with self-only HDHP coverage may contribute up to $4,400 to their HSAs over the course of the year. This represents a $100 increase from 2025's limits. Those with family HDHP coverage may contribute up to $8,750, an increase of $200 from 2025.

The minimum deductible for HDHPs will increase to $1,700 for individual coverage and $3,400 for family coverage, representing a $50 and $100 increase, respectively. Out-of-pocket maximums may rise to $8,500 for individuals and $17,000 for families. These figures mark a $200 and $400 increase.

Contributions and out-of-pocket limits for
Health Savings Accounts and High-Deductible Health Plans

There is no change to the catch-up contribution limit of $1,000. Individuals 55 and older may continue to save an additional $1,000 per year above these figures.

The maximum amount plans may set aside for excepted benefit HRAs will be $2,200.

So what?

With both deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums increasing, your clients should be prepared for additional financial exposure. Fortunately, HSA contribution limits are also rising, which can help soften the blow for those who can afford to save.

And, there are plenty of good reasons to save. Remember, HSA contributions are non-taxable, as are withdrawals for qualified expenses. Even better? HSA funds can always be invested in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other vehicles -- and those earnings also go untaxed. 

Be careful, though -- enrolling in premium-free Medicare Part A will end your clients' ability to contribute to their HSAs. That decision is permanent.

What's next?

In the individual Affordable Care Act market, you'll see these adjustments take shape when 2026 plan details are released in the early fall. In the employer group market, your preview will likely come a little earlier, in the late summer months. We'll keep you posted as plan details are released.