HSA news is compiled by Mr. HSA, Roy Ramthun.
News from Washington
Premium Tax Credit Expiration, Regulatory Changes Have Consumers Looking for HDHPs
The expiration of the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits has some consumers taking a closer look at high-deductible plans to help control costs. In addition, all individual market bronze and catastrophic plans are eligible to be paired with an HSA, even if the plan does not meet the minimum annual deductible requirement.
Compliance Corner
Telemedicine Must Be Covered Below the Deductible on an HSA Plan? Not True!
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act provided a permanent safe harbor to permit insurers and employers to cover telemedicine visits with no patient cost sharing. This new provision in the law is permissive, meaning that an insurer or employer is permitted to cover telemedicine visits below the deductible. But they are not required to do so. Insurers and employers have flexibility to design a plan that works best for their members.
Industry News
Lively's HSA Balances Rise Again in 2025
Lively's average account balances for HSAs grew 11% year-over-year in 2025. Average HSA account balances were 37% higher than the industry average reported in Devenir’s 2025 mid-year report in April, with Lively’s average balance reaching $5,457 including unfunded accounts. This is a jump from Lively’s $4,923 average last year.
HSAs & Retirement
9 Medicare Changes to Watch in 2026
Knowing how Medicare is evolving and which benefits you can rely on will help you focus on whether original Medicare or a particular Medicare Advantage plan will serve you best. Here are nine Medicare changes in 2026, including recent changes that will remain in effect after 2025 and other changes that were recently announced.
Maximizing Your HSA
A New Calendar Year Begins. What Changes Do You Need to Make with Your HSA?
Newly eligible HSA owners must take steps to open their new account and set payroll deductions. Veteran owners are not required by federal law to take any action, although some companies (but not federal tax law) require employees to set pre-tax payroll deductions annually. Here's the actions that HSA owners must take in the new year.
Stocking Up: Savers Can Front Load 2026 Money Contributions
For financial acounts that offer tax advantages, such as HSAs, the IRS limits how much people can contribute. Funding these accounts can help lower overall tax liability and give savings a longer time horizon to build potential growth. People who want to maximize their savings may consider making their contributions earlier in the year: enter “front loading.”
Consumer-Driven Health Care
Health Care Costs Are Skyrocketing, But a Health Savings Account Can Bridge the Budget Gap
Americans are reeling from skyrocketing health care costs, with premiums on the ACA Marketplaces rising 26 percent, and 40 percent of adults spending more than $1,000 on out-of-pocket expenditures in 2025. In response, U.S. households are turning to HSAs to bridge the gap between low savings and high medical costs.