HSA News for September 21, 2026
HSA news is compiled weekly by Mr. HSA Roy Ramthun
News from Washington
RFK Jr. Reshapes Another Crucial Public Health Task Force
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has named eight new members to the 16-member U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, including a pediatric oncologist, two cardiologists, a radiologist and a gastroenterologist in a shift from previous administrations who have largely appointed only general practitioners.
Compliance Corner
How Does COBRA Continuation Affect Your Eligibility to Fund an HSA?
An individual who exercises COBRA rights to continue coverage on an HSA-qualified plan enjoys all the benefits of an HSA as any other eligible owner, regardless of the source of coverage. Employers are not obligated to continue their HSA contributions, however, and few contribute once an employee has lost eligibility for employer-sponsored coverage.
Are DNA Kits Eligible for Tax-free Distribution from a Health Savings Account?
I bought a DNA kit to learn more about my ancestry and discover whether I have any underlying hereditary medical issues that I should be aware of. Is this expense qualified for a tax-free distribution from my HSA? Possibly, in part. In August 2019, the IRS issued a Private Letter Ruling that sheds more light on this issue.
What if Workers Fake HSA Receipts? A Fraud Expert Weighs In
Some employees with HSAs substantiate their requests for reimbursement with receipts they created themselves. Employers and benefits advisors should minimize that form of employee creativity by investing in recordkeeping tools and education for employees with HSAs, FSAs or other personal benefits accounts, according to a certified fraud examiner.
Industry News
Accordia Bank Launches HSA+ Nationwide as New Law Expands HSA Eligibility to Millions
Accordia Bank announced the nationwide launch of Accordia HSA+, a full-service consumer-directed healthcare platform offering HSAs and related benefit accounts to consumers and employers throughout the U.S. including distribution through benefits brokers and advisors
Best Practices
Support Your Employees’ Fertility Benefit Needs With an HSA or FSA
Roughly 1 in 6 adults are affected by infertility. Reasons can vary, which is why a variety of fertility benefits can also improve the lives of any adult wanting to start a family. Did you know that a variety of fertility and infertility treatments are eligible for HSA and FSA funds? Keep reading if you’re interested in supporting your employees with these needs.
Market Trends
Small Employers Weigh Dropping Group Coverage Ahead of 2027
Nearly three in four small to mid-sized employers offering traditional group health coverage are considering dropping it for 2027, according to a new survey by eHealth. The finding lands as benefits advisers head into a renewal season where their small-employer clients are more financially strained than at any recent point. The alternative gaining the most traction in this segment is the CHOICE Arrangement (formerly ICHRA).
HSAs & Retirement
How an HSA Can Help You Save for Retirement
Many Americans are missing out on a powerful retirement savings strategy. HSAs, which are designed to give people a tax break on money used to cover out-of-pocket healthcare costs, can be used to build a tax-free stash of money to fortify finances in retirement—yet few people are investing the money they hold in their accounts to accomplish this.
How HSAs Can Help Cover Medicare Costs Tax-Free
HSAs can offer a powerful solution to help offset post-retirement healthcare costs — particularly, Medicare premiums and medical expenses that Medicare doesn't cover. HSA funds can be withdrawn, tax-free, to cover any qualified medical expense, including Medicare premiums that kick in once the client turns 65. Since the rules can be complicated, it's important that clients begin planning to obtain the best possible results.
Maxed Out Your IRA in 2026? Here's Where to Put Your Retirement Savings Next.
Maxing out your IRA for the year is a big accomplishment, but it can also be a frustrating ceiling. You can't contribute more to your IRA without triggering tax penalties, but you still have other options to choose from. If you're eligible, contributing to an HSA can be your best option because they can double as retirement accounts if you invest your funds.
Consumer-Driven Healthcare
More Than Half of Hospitals Still Not Fully Compliant With Price Transparency Rules: Report
The number of hospitals complying with price transparency rules is increasing (49%), up significantly since 2024. But more than half of facilities still aren’t posting full information about the cost of their services, despite them taking effect more than half a decade ago, according to a patient advocacy group’s latest scorecard of 2,000 hospitals.