The IRS has just released the official 2026 limits for HSA contributions and High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs). As expected, the limits have gone up again in response to inflation and rising healthcare costs.
2026 HSA Contribution Limits:
- Self-Only: $4,550 (up from $4,300 in 2025)
- Family: $9,100 (up from $8,550 in 2025)
2026 HDHP Deductible Minimum:
- Self-Only: $1,700 (up from $1,650 in 2025)
- Family: $3,400 (up from $3,300 in 2025)
2026 HDHP Out-of-Pocket Expense Maximum:
- Self-Only: $8,750 (up from $8,300 in 2025)
- Family: $17,500 (up from $16,600 in 2025)
And for those using an Excepted Benefit HRA (typically for dental or vision coverage), the 2026 maximum will be $2,200, up slightly from this year.
If you’re 55 or older, there’s also a $1,000 catch-up contribution allowed on top of the standard HSA limit. This is per person, so if both you and your spouse are over 55, each of you can add the extra $1,000. Just keep in mind that you’ll each need to have your own Health Savings Account to make that happen. Catch-up contributions can’t be combined into a single HSA.
One thing I get asked a lot is why HSA-qualified plans aren’t always the cheapest option. You’d think they would be, since the deductible is high, but it’s actually because HSA plans are held to stricter out-of-pocket limits than regular ACA-compliant plans.
In 2026, ACA plans can have an out-of-pocket max as high as $9,900 for an individual and $19,800 for a family, which gives insurers more room to lower monthly premiums. In contrast, HSA-qualified plans must stop cost-sharing at $8,750 for individuals and $17,500 for families, which can lead to slightly higher premiums despite the high deductible.
These updates come from IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-XX, which will be posted on the IRS website soon.
If you’re wondering whether an HSA plan fits your situation, whether you’re saving for the future, trying to lower taxable income, or just want a back-up nest egg for medical expenses, we’re happy to help you compare options.
