HSA News for April 20, 2026
HSA news is compiled weekly by Mr. HSA Roy Ramthun
News from Washington
GOP Senator Proposes Advance Tax Credits to Tackle Rising Out-of-Pocket Healthcare Costs
Senate HELP Committee Chair Bill Cassidy (R-LA) released a plan to make healthcare coverage more affordable for Americans, partly by giving them money in advance to cover out-of-pocket expenses. This money would go into Health Savings Accounts that could help them cover deductibles under their health plan or out-of-pocket expenses.
Legislation Would Expand Employee Contributions to HSAs, Student Loan Debt
A new bill introduced by Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO) would allow workers to contribute to retirement accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Health Reimbursement Accounts, and educational assistance programs through an employee benefit program offered by their employer.
New Bill Would Make Insurers Count All Rx Purchases Toward Patient Deductibles
Out-of-pocket spending for covered drugs would count toward a patient's deductible and out-of-pocket limit regardless of where such drugs are purchased under a new bill introduced by Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC). Patients increasingly rely on other options to access prescription medications at lower cost, including direct-to-patient platforms.
IRS Announces Tax Relief for Mississippi Taxpayers Impacted by Severe Winter Storm; Various Deadlines Postponed to June 8, 2026
The Internal Revenue Service announced tax relief for individuals and businesses in Mississippi affected by the severe winter storm that began on January 23, 2026. These taxpayers now have until June 8, 2026, to file various federal individual and business tax returns, make tax payments, and make 2025 contributions to IRAs and HSAs, if eligible.
IRS Announces Tax Relief for Taxpayers Impacted by Severe Storms in the State of Hawaii; Various Deadlines Postponed to July 8, 2026
The IRS announced tax relief for individuals and businesses in the State of Hawaii affected by flooding and mudslides due to severe storms that began on March 10, 2026. These taxpayers now have until July 8, 2026 to file various federal individual and business tax returns, make tax payments, and make 2025 IRA and HSA contributions, if eligible.
Compliance Corner
Which Employee Benefits Disqualify You from Contributing to Your HSA? Part 2
Your employer will attempt to design a benefits program that does not disqualify you from opening and funding a Health Savings Account. This is a tricky area, but ultimately the HSA eligibility responsibility rests with you. Be sure that you do not choose an employee benefit that disqualifies you from building your HSA balance.
Your Dental Expense Eligibility for an HSA or FSA
Dental expenses can be a significant financial burden, especially when unexpected dental procedures arise. For those who have HSA or health FSAs, there are opportunities to save money on these expenses. Here are answers to a few common dental-related questions as it relates to your HSA or health FSA.
HSA Studies & Analysis
After 25 Years of Consumer-Directed Healthcare, What’s Missing?
After 25 years, the question is no longer whether consumer-directed healthcare can work in theory. It is whether policymakers and innovators will allow the market to evolve in ways that make it work in practice. HSAs are not the end of consumer-directed healthcare. They remain a meaningful catalyst for the market responses that have so far been limited.
Devenir's HSA Deposit Rate Update – March 2026
The first quarter of 2026 showed HSA deposit rates unchanged across balance tiers, with the exception being the $1,000 threshold, which decreased 0.01% from 0.46% to 0.45%. The the $10,000 and $25,000 balance tiers remained constant at 0.55% and 0.60%, respectively. For employers and account holders, this means monitoring rate updates more closely, particularly as economic conditions remain fluid.
Market Trends
Around 14% of Enrollees in ACA Plans Failed to Make Payments, Data Shows
One in seven people who signed up for Affordable Care Act plans this year failed to pay after premium costs rose sharply, according to a new analysis. Nationally, around 14% of those who enrolled in ACA plans this year didn’t pay their first monthly bill for January coverage. In some states, the share was a quarter or more, according to the analysis.
HSAs & Retirement
Your HSA Is The Only Savings Account That’s Never Taxed: How to Use It Like a Retirement Account
Most people use their HSA like a debit card for copays and prescriptions. That’s not wrong — but it leaves the best part completely untouched. An HSA is the only account in the U.S. tax code that offers a triple tax advantage. Contributions are tax-deductible, earnings grow tax-free inside the account, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses come out completely tax-free. No 401(k), Roth IRA or brokerage account delivers all three.
Your HSA Is a Stealth IRA and Most People Have No Idea How to Use It the Smart Way
There’s a good chance you’re overlooking the most tax-efficient account available to you, and it’s sitting right there in your employee benefits portal. If you’re enrolled in a high-deductible health plan, your HSA isn’t just a debit card for copays. Used strategically, it becomes what financial planners call a “stealth IRA” — one that offers a triple tax advantage no 401(k) or Roth can fully match.
All Pre-Retirees Between 55 and 64 Should Be Making This Smart HSA Move Right Now
If you’re between 55 and 64, your Health Savings Account may be the most underused retirement lever available to you right now. But one misstep around Medicare enrollment could trigger penalties that quietly erase years of careful planning. Here’s what you need to know heading into this window.
Maximizing Your HSA
Tax Day Focus on Health Savings Accounts: Is It Too Late to Contribute?
It is never too late to contribute to a Health Savings Account if you are eligible. If you missed out on a last-minute 2025 contribution, perhaps you can leverage this opportunity. More Americans than usual are receiving federal tax refunds. If this applies to you, consider using some or all of your refund to contribute to your HSA for 2026 today.
The Savings Account Most Self-Employed People Don’t Realize They Qualify For: 2026 HSA Access
If you buy your own health insurance through the ACA marketplace, a real change took effect January 1, 2026 that could put meaningful money back in your pocket each year. You may now be eligible for an HSA, one of the most powerful savings accounts allowed and was previously out of reach for most people shopping the marketplace on their own.
Help Employees Maximize Tax Savings With HSA Expense Tracking
HSAs are one of the few benefits that can support everyday health while empowering employees to save money for current and future needs. But lack of account literacy can be a barrier to enrollment and appropriate utilization. For HR teams, this can ultimately reflect negatively on your company's benefits program. You can change this dynamic by educating employees about how to use HSA expense tracking as a savings strategy.
Consumer-Driven Health Care
Ray-Ban and Oakley Meta AI Smart Glasses Are Now HSA and FSA Eligible
The HSA and FSA marketplace Truemed has partnered with Meta to make its AI smart glasses eligible for purchase with your HSA and FSA dollars. AI glasses aren't the only surprising wellness devices that your HSA or FSA might cover. These are just some of the heath tech devices you might find eligible for purchase using your HSA or FSA dollars.