HSA News for March 30, 2026
HSA News is compiled weekly by Mr. HSA, Roy Ramthun.
News from Washington
ABA HSA Council Supports Legislation to Help Lower Costs for Family Caregivers
The American Bankers Association HSA Council joined a group of 95 organizations, led by AARP, in sending a letter to members of Congress, urging lawmakers to pass financial relief for family caregivers that would allow a family caregiver to use funds in an HSA, FSA, HRA, or Archer MSA for the qualified medical expenses of a parent or parent-in-law.
Compliance Corner
Grace Period Is Over. Here's How Much You Can Contribute to Your HSA in 2026.
A “grace period” is a godsend for millions of Health FSA participants, but it creates a potential eligibility issue for individuals who want to open and contribute to a Health Savings Account. If your health FSA plan has a grace period, here is important information that you must understand when you transition from a general Health FSA to an HSA.
The HSA Eligibility Trap for Married Couples
The most common trap that causes married employees to inadvertently lose HSA eligibility involves a spouse’s enrollment in a general purpose health FSA that covers both employee and their spouse. Because the general purpose health FSA is disqualifying coverage for HSA eligibility purposes, the spouse’s FSA enrollment blocks both the spouse and the employee from making or receiving HSA contributions.
Leveraging the Telemedicine Safe Harbor to Increase Access on HSA-Qualified Plans
Last year, Congress passed a law that allows health insurers and employers to cover all virtual visits without a deductible. Insurers and employers have responded by creating more opportunities for patients to access virtual care below the deductible. Access to telemedicine services is particularly important in certain situations, like behavioral health services, urgent care, and pharmacy refills.
Market Trends
How Employees Are Spending Their HSA Dollars, from Amazon to GLP-1s
Amazon has emerged as a top destination for HSA holders, as more consumers use the online giant to buy health and wellness products with their funds, according to a new report that shows how HSA spending is shifting from hospitals and doctors to a broader ecosystem of consumer health brands and e-commerce platforms.
Hospitals Still Drive the Largest HSA Dollars
Although a new report from Lively Inc. identifies an increasing mix of retail brands, digital health platforms, and direct-to-consumer health care companies among the top HSA spend merchants, hospitals and health systems continue to drive the largest dollar totals. However, these transactions represent a smaller share of total transaction count.
HSAs & Retirement
Concerns Over Healthcare Costs in Retirement Grow
According to a new survey, nearly 8 in 10 (78%) Americans say they are concerned about the impact of rising healthcare costs on their retirement, yet fewer than half (48%) have factored these increasing costs into retirement planning. Further, only 16% say they feel very knowledgeable about expected healthcare costs in retirement.
Why an HSA Could Be More Powerful Than a 401(k) in Retirement
When it comes to saving for retirement, most people focus on accounts like 401(k)s. But there's another type of account that doesn't always get the attention it deserves in the context of retirement savings -- an HSA. When used strategically, you may find that an HSA is even more powerful than a 401(k) for your retirement.
Clients Forced to Make Roth Catch-Up Contributions? Consider HSAs
HSAs an attractive complement to 401(k)s and IRAs. For late-career workers who know they are going to have substantial medical expenses in retirement, which is almost a certainty for most people, maximizing the HSA is often more mathematically beneficial than paying taxes upfront through a Roth account, or on the back end through traditional contributions.
Are Medicare Premiums Tax Deductible? What Retirees Need to Know Before Tax Day
Many Americans are searching for hidden deductions that can help maximize their potential tax refund. One place they’re looking? Their healthcare premiums, because many of them (including Medicare) are tax-deductible. In addition, Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket expenses are also able to paid tax-free with HSA funds after age 65.
Maximizing Your HSA
2 Ways to Make the Most of Your HSA
With the right strategy, an HSA can double as a powerful long-term savings vehicle. Here are two ways to get the most out of your HSA. First, don't forget that HSAs offer catch-up contributions starting at age 55. Second, a better way to use an HSA is to pay for medical expenses as you go and leave your HSA balance alone so it can grow over time.
Employees Can Use Their HSA for Their International Medical Tourism Expenses
A common advantage that individuals seek from international medical tourism is receiving medical care at lower costs or with fewer restrictions. Employers can further support their medical needs by offering and contributing to HSAs that employees can use to cover medical expenses and receive the care they need without incurring debt.