What does IRS consider a high-deductible health plan?

Asked by: Addie Berge Jr.  |  Last update: February 10, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (13 votes)

HDHP deductible and out-of-pocket maximum For 2025, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) defines a high-deductible health plan as any plan with an annual deductible of at least $1,650 for an individual or $3,300 for a family.

What qualifies as a high-deductible health plan IRS?

For calendar year 2024, a “high deductible health plan” is defined under § 223(c)(2)(A) as a health plan with an annual deductible that is not less than $1,600 for self-only coverage or $3,200 for family coverage, and for which the annual out-of-pocket expenses (deductibles, co-payments, and other amounts, but not ...

What qualifies as a high-deductible health plan?

True to its name, the deductible is higher. Plans will vary, but generally a minimum of $1,650 for individuals and $3,300 for families1. Will vary by plan and by employer, but generally are lower. Out-of-pocket limits are higher in an HDHP.

What is a high-deductible health plan for tax benefits?

High-Deductible Health Plan Tax Benefits

You don't pay federal taxes on the money you put into it. Your total annual contribution is tax deductible. Your money can earn interest, which is also tax-free. Any money you don't spend rolls over into the next year.

What qualifies as an HSA eligible health plan in 2024?

HSA eligibility

For 2024, this means: It has an annual deductible of at least $1,600 for self-only coverage and $3,200 for family coverage. Its out-of-pocket maximum including annual deductible does not exceed $8,050 for self-only coverage and $16,100 for family coverage.

IRS Form 8889 (HSA) Example for 2023 - Step-by-Step Guide

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How do I know if my health plan qualifies for an HSA?

What's considered an HSA-eligible plan? Under the tax law, HSA-eligible plans must set a minimum deductible and a limit, or maximum, on out-of-pocket costs for both individuals and families. The minimum deductible is the amount you pay for health care items and services per year before your plan starts to pay.

What are the HSA limits for 2024 IRS Gov?

For 2024, the annual contribution limits on deductions for HSAs for individuals with self-only coverage is $4,150 (increase of $300) and $8,300 for family coverage (increase of $550). There is an additional contribution amount of $1,000 for taxpayers who are age 55 or older.

Who should not use a high-deductible health plan?

A chronic illness, such as heart disease or diabetes, can be much more expensive to manage under an HDHP than a traditional health care plan. With these conditions, regular medications and health screenings may be required. These costs may quickly add up until deductibles are finally met.

What is the tax form for high-deductible health plan?

Employees who contribute to or receive distributions from a HSA in in the current tax year must report both on their personal tax returns using IRS Form 8889.

Is PPO a high-deductible plan?

Members typically pay a higher monthly premium for these health plans than they would for a high-deductible health plan. On the flip side, a traditional PPO plan typically has a lower deductible and lower out-of-pocket maximum than an HDHP.

How do I know if I am in a high-deductible health plan?

HDHP deductible and out-of-pocket maximum

For 2025, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) defines a high-deductible health plan as any plan with an annual deductible of at least $1,650 for an individual or $3,300 for a family.

What is the downside of an HSA?

Drawbacks of HSAs include tax penalties for nonmedical expenses before age 65, and contributions made to the HSA within six months of applying for Social Security benefits may be subject to penalties. HSAs have fewer limitations and more tax advantages than flexible spending accounts (FSAs).

What is the 12 month rule for HSA?

It means you must remain eligible for the HSA until December 31 of the following year. The only exceptions are death or disability. If you violate the testing period requirement, your ineligible contributions become taxable income.

What is a high deductible health plan example?

For example: If your monthly health insurance premium is $100, you'll pay $1,200 for the year. This amount doesn't count toward your deductible or out-of-pocket maximum. If your annual deductible is $3,000, you'll pay for most of the care you receive until you've reached this amount.

What are IRS qualified medical expenses?

Medical expenses are the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body. These expenses include payments for legal medical services rendered by physicians, surgeons, dentists, and other medical practitioners.

What is the IRS embedded deductible for 2025?

Minimum deductible:

$1,650 for self-only coverage ($50 increase from 2024) $3,300 for family coverage ($100 increase from 2024) $3,300 for embedded individual deductible ($100 increase from 2024)

What does IRS consider high deductible health plan?

An HDHP is health coverage with a: Higher annual deductible than typical health plans and. Maximum limit on the sum of the annual deductible and out-of-pocket medical expenses that the taxpayer must pay for covered expenses. Out-of-pocket expenses include copayments and cost sharing but do not include premiums.

Is deep cleaning of teeth a qualified medical expense?

Medical expenses include dental expenses, and in this publication the term “medical expenses” is often used to refer to medical and dental expenses. You can deduct on Schedule A (Form 1040) only the part of your medical and dental expenses that is more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).

What counts as HDHP?

A plan with a higher deductible than a traditional insurance plan. The monthly premium is usually lower, but you pay more health care costs yourself before the insurance company starts to pay its share (also called your deductible).

Do you get a tax break for having a high-deductible health plan?

A High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) is a health plan product that combines a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) with traditional medical coverage. It provides insurance coverage and a tax-advantaged way to help save for future medical expenses.

What is the downside of a high deductible?

The primary disadvantages of a high-deductible health plan include the high out-of-pocket costs and the potential reluctance to seek medical care due to upfront expenses. While HDHPs have lower premiums, individuals may face financial strain if they need medical services before meeting the deductible.

What is considered a high-deductible health plan in 2024?

Under the section heading Health Savings Account (HSAs), the paragraph under Eligibility, a qualifying HDHP must have a deductible of at least $1,600 for self-only coverage and $3,200 for family coverage.

How do I know if I have a high deductible health plan?

According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)1, in 2024, a high deductible health plan is any health plan that has a minimum deductible of $1,600 for individuals and $3,200 for families. In 2025, HDHPs have a minimum deductible of $1,650 and $3,300, respectively.

Is toothpaste HSA eligible?

Toothpaste is not eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).

Can I use my HSA to pay health insurance premiums if I retire early?

If you pay for your medical expenses out of pocket now, you'll have more saved in your HSA account to help pay for medical expenses once you retire. If you retire before age 65 and you aren't yet eligible for Medicare, you can use money in your HSA to pay your medical coverage premiums.