HSA Limits Are Increasing for 2026

Here's what you need to know

If your employees participate in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) and contribute to a health savings account (HSA), now is a good time to plan ahead. The IRS has announced new contribution limits and deductible requirements for 2026, with increases across the board for HSAs and HDHPs. Here's what employers and participants need to know.

2026 HSA Contribution Limits

HSA contribution limits are rising again in 2026. Employees with self-only coverage can contribute up to $4,400 annually, while those with family coverage can contribute up to $8,750. That’s a $100 and $200 increase, respectively, over the 2025 limits.

Coverage Type	2025 Limit	2026 Limit
Self-only	$4,300	$4,400
Family	$8,550	$8,750

 

Catch-up contributions remain at an additional $1,000 for individuals aged 55 and older. That means 2026 limits for eligible participants rise to $5,300 (self-only) and $9,750 (family).

2026 HDHP Minimum Deductibles & Out-of-Pocket Maximums

To remain HSA-eligible, a health plan must meet certain deductible and out-of-pocket limits. These are also increasing slightly for 2026:

Coverage Type	2025 Deductible	2026 Deductible
Self-only	$1,650	$1,700
Family	$3,300	$3,400

 

Coverage Type	2025 OOP Max	2026 Max
Self-only	$8,300	$8,500
Family	$16,600	$17,000

 

HSA Fast Facts for Employers

Who is eligible for an HSA?
To open and contribute to an HSA, an individual must be enrolled in a qualified HDHP and have no other disqualifying coverage.

When can participants change their contributions?
One of the advantages of an HSA is flexibility. Participants can change their contribution amounts at any time during the year.

Who can HSA funds be used for?
HSA funds can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses for:

• The account holder
• Their spouse
• Dependents claimed on their tax return
• Anyone they could have claimed as a dependent but weren’t able to

What if a participant contributes too much?
Any contributions over the IRS limit will be treated as taxable income and may also be subject to a 6% excise tax unless corrected.

The State of HSAs 

According to 2024 year-end HSA research:

• There are over 39 million HSA accounts nationwide
• These accounts hold nearly $147 billion in assets
• Nearly 9% of HSA participants are investing at least a portion of their funds

Final Thoughts

HSA participation continues to grow year after year, thanks to its triple-tax advantage and long-term savings potential. As we look to 2026, staying informed about contribution limits and compliance requirements will help both employers and employees make the most of their health benefits.

Need help navigating your HDHP or HSA strategy? Nova is here to help. See how we can help you offer a robust employee benefits package.