What does IRS consider high-deductible health plan?

Asked by: Laron Swaniawski III  |  Last update: March 18, 2025
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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?

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 qualifies as a high-deductible health plan in 2024?

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 is the IRS limit for HDHP in 2024?

For 2024, if you have self-only HDHP coverage, you can contribute up to $4,150. If you have family HDHP coverage, you can contribute up to $8,300. For 2025, if you have self-only HDHP coverage, you can contribute up to $4,300. If you have family HDHP coverage, you can contribute up to $8,550.

Are high-deductible health plan premiums tax deductible?

If you pay for health insurance coverage before taxes are taken out of your employer's paycheck, you can't deduct your health insurance premiums. (Generally speaking, you can only claim qualified medical expenses as a post-tax deduction if they were paid for with after-tax earnings.)

When is a High Deductible Health Plan with an HSA a Good Choice?

40 related questions found

What does IRS consider a high deductible 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 one disadvantage to a high-deductible health plan?

Cons of High Deductible Healthcare Plans

For example, someone injured may avoid the emergency room if they know it will result in an expensive bill that will be applied to the plan deductible. This reluctance is especially true for those new to a plan who have not yet established an HSA.

Do HSA contributions reduce your taxable income?

All contributions to your HSA are tax-deducible, or if made through payroll deductions, are pre-tax which lowers your overall taxable income. Your contributions may be 100 percent tax-deductible, meaning contributions can be deducted from your gross income.

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 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).

How do I know if I am in 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.

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.

Can a PPO be a HDHP?

An HDHP can be an HMO, POS, PPO or EPO.

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.

What is an example of a HSA tax deduction?

HSA contributions are tax-free.

For example, if your tax rate is 22 percent, and you contribute the maximum amount for 2024, which is $4,150 for an individual or $8,300 for a family, you could save $913 and $1,826 respectively, in tax payments.

Is $3,000 a high deductible for health insurance?

The higher the deductible, the more out-of-pocket costs you pay before your insurer begins covering medical expenses. The IRS defines high-deductible health plans for 2023 as: Individual plans with deductibles of at least $1,500. Family plans with deductibles of at least $3,000.

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 a high-deductible health plan?

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).

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.

What is the tax loophole for HSA?

Answer: HSAs offer a rare triple tax benefit: Contributions are deductible, the money grows tax deferred and withdrawals can be tax free if there are qualifying medical expenses.

Can I use HSA for dental?

Your HSA also covers expenses for standard dental cleanings and dental check-ups. One thing to keep in mind is that some of these procedures may have a co-payment, so it's important that you check with your dental insurance provider to find out exactly what you'll have to pay out of pocket.

Why does my tax refund go down when I enter HSA contributions?

An HSA contribution deduction lowers your AGI, which could make it easier for you to pass the 7.5% hurdle. If you contribute more than the annual contribution limit set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) within a tax year, those excess contributions won't be tax-deductible.

Can you use GoodRx with HSA?

You can use the funds from your HSA on qualified medical expenses, including prescriptions purchased using a GoodRx discount card.

How does a high-deductible health plan affect taxes?

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.

Why is it not a great idea to have a high deductible?

High-deductible health plans usually carry lower premiums but require more out-of-pocket spending before insurance starts paying for care. Meanwhile, health insurance plans with lower deductibles offer more predictable costs and often more generous coverage, but they usually come with higher premiums.