HSA news is compiled weekly by Mr. HSA, Roy Ramthun.
News from Washington
Poll Shows Strong Support for HSA Expansion as Republicans Push Healthcare Agenda
As congressional Republicans prepare the next phase of reconciliation legislation, a growing coalition of healthcare reform advocates is urging lawmakers to seize what they describe as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lower healthcare costs, expand patient control, and challenge the influence of insurers and healthcare middlemen.
Why HDHPs With HSAs Are the Most Affordable Health Plan for Most Federal Employees
Healthcare costs have climbed steadily for years with no relief in sight. For federal employees, the financial pressure is even sharper in retirement. The good news? There’s a savings vehicle (HSA) specifically designed to help you prepare, one that works for healthcare costs today, in the years ahead and well into retirement. It’s likely the most affordable health plan available. Here’s everything you need to know.
Compliance Corner
Defer Reimbursement Forever? Until Retirement? Until an Emergency?
Health Savings Accounts are different than health FSAs. They are not an annual reimbursement plan but rather timeless savings accounts. Owners face no deadline to reimburse their qualified expenses. They never forfeit balances that they do not use within a certain period. Thus, the reimbursement period for HSA owners lasts forever.
HSA Studies & Analysis
Six Takeaways from the Latest Survey of the Health Savings Account Market
Although the growth in the number of active HSA accounts has slowed when measured against the go-go days of a decade or more ago, the amount of money flowing into those accounts, the amount invested, and the balances available to reimburse future qualified expenses tax-free have all exploded. The story keeps getting better and better for those consumers who open and fund an HSA.
Best Practices
An HSA Can Help With High Costs, but Employees Need More Support in Using It
Employees who have HSAs need more education and support from their employers’ benefits managers to help them better understand HSAs and how to maximize them. Employers and their benefits brokers can make a big difference in employees’ understanding of HSAs by removing confusion and friction. Here are some tips.
Market Trends
U.S. Financial Literacy Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade
Americans' financial literacy has dropped to its lowest point in 10 years, according to a new survey. One-quarter of Americans now have very low financial literacy, up 5 percentage points over that period. The findings come at a time of elevated economic stress levels for many Americans.
How Many People in Their 30s Lack a Retirement Account—And Why It Matters for Their Future
About 4 in 10 households led by 30-somethings have no retirement account. Even when counting traditional pensions, a third still have no retirement coverage of any kind, according to a new analysis. Other research shows that only 54% of non-retirees believe they will be financially prepared when retirement time comes. A zero balance in your 30s is far from too late, but starting early gives you a big leg up.
HSAs & Retirement
HSAs: One of the Most Overlooked Retirement Accounts in 2026
Most people think of their HSA as a place to park money for this year’s deductible. That’s a missed opportunity. HSAs can be one of the most powerful retirement accounts in the entire tax code—and 2026 may be the best year yet. Two things changed--contribution limits moved up, and HSA eligibility has been expanded for the first time since 2003.
Healthcare Costs Explode When Your Income Falls: Why Most Retirees Underestimate Medical Expenses
Healthcare costs explode during retirement when income falls. Funding healthcare as a separate budget category—particularly through Health Savings Accounts that compound tax-free and can cover any expense after age 65—is the single variable that determines whether medical events derail retirement.
Maximizing Your HSA
The IRS Just Announced Higher HSA Limits—But Only 10% of Accounts Are Set Up for the Most Valuable Tax Break
The IRS's newly announced 2027 contribution limits are a fresh reminder that eligible savers may be leaving one of an HSA's biggest benefits untouched. An HSA can become a long-term wealth-building tool when savers use its powerful “triple tax advantage.” The third advantage is where the vast majority of accounts fall short.
6 Popular Low-Cost HSA Plans for Self-Employed Workers in 2026
I remember opening my first HSA as a new freelancer. I learned you don’t need fancy bells and whistles. You need low fees, a solid mobile app, and investment choices you understand. That’s it. This guide breaks down the HSA providers I trust for self-employed workers. It’s grounded in research, reader feedback, and my own account experience.
Consumer-Driven Healthcare
15 Ways to Lower Your Healthcare Costs
About one-third of Americans now report making at least one trade-off with daily living expenses to afford healthcare. While the burden is worse for people without insurance, almost three in 10 people covered by a health plan say they’ve made at least one trade-off. Fortunately, you have ways to ease the strain. Here are 15 of them. #2. Consider an HSA if you are eligible for one.
Upcoming Billing Change Could Make Pregnancy Pricier
Having a baby in the United States is about to get more complicated. Under new billing codes that take effect in January, doctors who manage maternity care will start charging à la carte for visits and services related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.