HSA News for November 17, 2025
HSA news is compiled weekly by Mr. HSA, Roy Ramthun.
News from Washington
The White House Knows It Needs to Act on Health Care Affordability. Here's What's on the Table.
Republicans in Congress have put forward different versions of redirecting the Affordable Care Act subsidy money into federally funded accounts for Americans. Some support depositing funds into HSAs while others would opt for FSAs. President Trump hasn’t endorsed any of the specific options swirling around the Hill but has broadly backed the idea of putting money in accounts for Americans to use toward health care costs.
HSA Studies & Analysis
IBD's Best HSA Accounts for 2026: How to Find the Right One for Your Retirement Goals
Investor’s Business Daily researched HSA providers' offerings to individuals (not ones that work exclusively with employers) to come up with its 2026 list of Best HSAs. Their final list highlights HSAs that offer a winning combination of low fees, account features, investment options, savings rates and low minimum investment requirements.
Health Savings Accounts Caught in Crosshairs of the Enhanced Premium Tax Credit Debate
The question of whether or not to extend Enhanced Premium Tax Credits should stand on its own. Whether a portion of these credits are distributed to consumers through a tax-advantaged account or the entire sum is sent to the insurer is an entirely separate question. No need to criticize tax-advantaged accounts like HSAs in the process.
Compliance Corner
Federal Tax Law Offers No Grace for This Health FSA Plan-Year Extender
I want to participate in my employer’s new Health Savings Account program but I’m enrolled in the general Health FSA, which has a grace period. Is my HSA eligibility affected by this? Yes. You may be disqualified temporarily unless you or your employer takes specific action.
HSAs and Medicare: The Eligibility Quiz
Navigating the HSA rules for eligibility, contributions, and withdrawals is crucial to maximizing its benefits and avoiding penalties. Test your understanding of core HSA concepts, from eligibility to retirement-age withdrawals, with our 10-question true/false quiz. If needed, you can follow the links the quiz to brush up on your knowledge.
Best Practices
4 HSA Facts Employees Need to Know to Drive Enrollment
Many HSA users say they are confused about how to use their account, and others feel they can’t afford to fund their account. However, nearly 30% of account holders say they would contribute more if they understood what is covered and how the HSA can support their healthcare spending. Here are four facts about HSAs that all employees should know during open enrollment.
Fixing the Unintended Consequences of High-Deductible Health Plans
A rising trend in health care payments has emerged that can mitigate the impact HDHPs have had on employees’ wallets. A host of alternative health care payment solutions are now available to help workers afford higher out-of-pocket costs, and HR/benefits professionals would benefit by learning more about these options.
Market Trends
ICHRA Users Favor Bronze Plans as Enrollment Begins
Workers with cash from ICHRAs might be more likely to choose lean bronze plans this year and less likely to choose rich gold plans, according to one source. One reason could be that ICHRA users are reacting to soaring prices for gold plans by choosing cheaper plans. Another reason could be that bronze plans expand access to HSAs.
HSAs & Retirement
Are You Missing Out on This Underrated Retirement Account?
There's really no such thing as having too much money in retirement. You never know what your expenses will look like and just how rampant inflation will be. Although IRAs and 401(k) plans tend to get top billing when it comes to building retirement savings, you may also want to use an HSA for retirement savings to provide even more benefits.
HSA Investing: Smart Retirement Savers Reap Big Tax Benefits
HSAs can be a retirement investor's best friend. These accounts provide tax-advantaged medical savings. More important, HSA assets can be invested. Investment growth and tax benefits combine to create long-term superpowers for retirement savers. The tax treatment of an HSA is a huge advantage and one of the main benefits of these accounts.
Maximizing Your HSA
Four 2026 HSA Changes Everyone Should Know About
Whether you use your HSA to cover your health expenses now or save that money for retirement, it's probably pretty special to you. If you don't yet have an HSA, it's important to become familiar with the HSA rules before you start stashing money there. Here are four key changes for 2026 that you need to know about.
Consumer-Driven Health Care
An HSA Sounds Great for Taxes: Here’s Why It Might Not Be Right for You
With such potentially significant tax advantages, opting in to an HSA might seem like an easy choice. However, some situations may make an HSA less than ideal for you or your family, despite its tax benefits. It’s worth running the numbers on whether you’ll reap the tax benefits of an HSA or if you’re better off focusing on another health plan option.
As Health Insurance Costs Climb, How to Make the Most of Medical Spending Before Year’s End
As health care costs continue to climb, you may want to make sure you’re not leaving valuable tax breaks or pre-tax dollars on the table this year. While medical expenses often are unpredictable and unwelcome, there may be strategies you can use to make those outlays a little less painful. Here’s what to know.
Surprising HSA/FSA Eligible Items That Are Worth Buying
Many HSA and FSA users are surprised to learn how many items you can use these funds for. Besides deductibles, copayments, and medical supplies, you can also use the funds for certain sleep products, fitness gear, skincare, and personal care items. Here are some top HSA- and FSA-eligible products from the Good Housekeeping Institute experts.