HSA News for April 6, 2026
HSA news is compiled weekly by Mr. HSA, Roy Ramthun.
News from Washington
Where HSA Policy Stands: 4 Notes
HSAs have become one of the more active areas of federal health policy over the past year, with GOP lawmakers pushing to expand eligibility and use the tax-advantaged accounts as a vehicle for broader consumer-driven healthcare reform. Here are four short notes on where HSA policy stands.
Defense Funding Push Reopens Door for Stalled ICHRA, HSA Reforms
Republican leaders in Congress are trying to come up with $200 billion in funding for U.S. military action in Iran. That could create a new chance for supporters to get ICHRA and HSA provisions through Congress. The vehicle would be a "budget reconciliation bill," a special kind of bill that can move through the Senate with just 51 GOP votes.
Compliance Corner
When a Spouse Is Enrolled on Medicare, Can You Reimburse His Expenses Tax-Free?
Your spouse does not have to be HSA-eligible or covered on your medical plan for his expenses to be qualified for tax-free distributions from your HSA. If he’s your legal spouse, you can reimburse his qualified medical, dental, and vision expenses and qualified over-the-counter drugs, medicine, equipment, and supplies, tax-free from your account.
Industry News
DataPath Introduces New Consumer Portal Built to Drive Growth and Customer Satisfaction for TPAs and Financial Institutions
Datapath announced the release of its next‑generation Consumer Portal designed to help TPAs and financial institutions differentiate, win new business, and strengthen long‑term client relationships. The fully white‑labeled experience allows organizations to reinforce their brand and value proposition at every consumer interaction.
Market Trends
After ACA Subsidy Lapse, Consumers Opt for Low-Cost Marketplace Plans
Silver plans are out and Bronze plans are in, according to new CMS data about the 2026 Open Enrollment Period for the Affordable Care Act Marketplace Exchanges, signaling growing consumer preference for low-cost health plans with potential for higher deductibles. Notably, 40% of consumers opted for a Bronze plan this year, up 10 percentage points from 2025.
Health Care Payments Get Smarter While Patient Debt Gets Deeper
Health care bills are becoming both more financially challenging and technologically simple, according to a new report. Out-of-pocket spending is rising faster than wages and inflation, driven in large part by a 65% increase in high-deductible health plan enrollment over the past decade. At the same time, bills are now digital and easier to read, and payment Is more convenient than ever.
HSAs & Retirement
Planning Aids the Transition to Medicare When the Six-Month Retro Rule Applies
An unusual provision in Medicare law complicates planning for working seniors who want to continue to fund an HSA until they retire and enroll on Medicare. Working seniors who know their retirement date can draft and follow a plan to avoid complications, even if they cannot avoid the six-month retroactive coverage and its negative effects on their final HSA contributions.
No 401(k)? You May Have Another Retirement Savings Option Besides an IRA
When your employer doesn't offer a 401(k) or another workplace retirement plan, it can feel like an IRA is your only option. That's better than nothing, but it might not be your only option. Health Savings Accounts aren't designed as retirement accounts, but they can serve that purpose very well.
Maximizing Your HSA
5 Expenses You Can Still Deduct in 2026 — Even If You Take the Standard Deduction
With the standard deduction higher than ever, most Americans no longer itemize. But that does not mean your opportunity to reduce taxable income disappears. For example, HSA contributions can help reduce your adjusted gross income which can then make you eligible for other deductions or tax credits.
6 Ways to Make the Most of Your 2026 Tax Refund
Anticipating a tidy sum this year from Uncle Sam? If you have an HSA and are eligible to make contributions to it for 2026, consider adding part of your refund to it. The HSA contribution limits for 2026 are $4,400 for individuals or $8,750 for those who have family coverage. If you're 55 or older, you can add an extra $1,000.
Consumer-Driven Health Care
Hospital Costs Are Rising Far Faster Than Inflation and Drowning Americans in Debt
Hospital costs are among the major forces driving Americans deeper into debt and widening the inequality gap. Over the past two decades, those costs have risen far faster than any other sector of the U.S. economy, says Zack Cooper, associate professor of public health at Yale University.