Triple Tax Advantage: This Is How the New Access to Health Savings Accounts Will Work in 2026

• Starting in 2026, more people in the U.S. will be able to access Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) with a triple tax advantage.
• These accounts provide tax benefits that can mean major savings for families and workers.
• Bronze plans, catastrophic plans, direct primary care, and telehealth coverage will be included.

Beginning next year, the rules for using a Health Savings Account will change significantly.

With the tax and spending bill signed by Trump, millions of Americans will have access to this financial product with a triple tax advantage.

The measure expands eligibility to more Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, Direct Primary Care (DPC), and telehealth coverage.

New Access to Health Savings Accounts in 2026

Bronze plans are among the most popular options in the ACA: in 2025, nearly 30% of enrollees chose them.

Catastrophic plans—more limited by age and requirements—have fewer than 100,000 enrollees.

Starting in 2026, those using Direct Primary Care agreements, with costs of up to $150 per month for individuals or $300 for families, will also be able to fund an HSA.

This expands savings opportunities for medical expenses.

What Is an HSA?

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged account that allows you to save and pay for unreimbursed medical expenses (for example, copays, coinsurance, and services not covered by insurance).

Tax Benefits of HSAs

• Lower taxes on your income:

Putting money into your HSA directly from your paycheck lowers the amount you pay taxes on. If you make contributions yourself, you can also deduct them without extra paperwork. And if your employer contributes, that money does not count as taxable income.

• Tax-free growth:

Money in an HSA can earn interest or be invested in stocks, bonds, ETFs, or mutual funds without paying taxes as long as it stays in the account.

• Tax-free withdrawals for health expenses:

If you use the money for approved medical expenses, you pay no taxes or penalties. After age 65, you can spend it on anything you want; if it’s not for health expenses, you’ll only pay regular income tax.

Expert Opinion

“Taken together, the benefits of pre-tax contributions, tax-free earnings, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses can amount to significant lifetime savings for a family,” explained Richard Pon, a certified public accountant in San Francisco, to USA Today.

What to Expect in the Coming Years

The change will take effect in 2026.

The next open enrollment period will be key for choosing HSA-compatible plans.

Insurers are also expected to adjust their products to meet the new rules.