What is a High-Deductible Health Plan?
An HDHP is a health insurance plan with a higher annual deductible than traditional plans, paired with a lower monthly premium. The IRS defines specific deductible minimums and out-of-pocket maximums that a plan must meet to qualify as an HDHP.
2026 HDHP thresholds
| Requirement | Self-only | Family |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum annual deductible | $1,650 | $3,300 |
| Maximum out-of-pocket limit | $8,300 | $16,600 |
If your plan has a deductible at or above the minimum AND an out-of-pocket maximum at or below the maximum, it qualifies as an HDHP and you can open an HSA.
The 2026 expansion: bronze and catastrophic plans
Starting in 2024 and carrying into 2026, the IRS and ACA regulations were updated so that most bronze-tier marketplace plans and catastrophic plans now meet the HDHP definition. This means millions of people who previously couldn't open an HSA can now do so.
If you have a bronze or catastrophic plan, check your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) for the exact deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. Compare those numbers against the 2026 HDHP thresholds above.
How to check: Look at your insurance card, benefits portal, or plan documents. Find "annual deductible" and "out-of-pocket maximum." If your deductible is $1,650+ (individual) or $3,300+ (family), and your OOP max is under $8,300/$16,600, you likely qualify.
What disqualifies you from an HSA?
Even if you have an HDHP, you cannot contribute to an HSA if:
- You're enrolled in Medicare (any part)
- You're claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax return
- You have a general-purpose FSA (either yours or your spouse's)
- You have non-HDHP coverage through a spouse's plan
Find out what benefits you actually have
Upload your benefits PDF and BenefAgent identifies whether you have an HSA, FSA, or both — and what you can do with each.
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