Why is my plan not HSA-eligible?
Asked by: Dimitri Okuneva | Last update: September 9, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (62 votes)
Why are some plans not HSA-eligible?
HSA-eligible plans are limited because they must meet strict IRS guidelines, including specific deductible and out-of-pocket maximums. Insurers may prioritize other plan types to meet broader market demands. Their higher cost could stem from differences in network options or additional benefits.
What makes you ineligible for an HSA account?
If you can receive benefits before that deductible is met, you aren't an eligible individual. Other employee health plans. An employee covered by an HDHP and a health FSA or an HRA that pays or reimburses qualified medical expenses can't generally make contributions to an HSA.
What makes a plan eligible for 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 if my health insurance doesn't offer HSA?
Yes, you can open a health savings account (HSA) even if your employer doesn't offer one. But you can make current-year contributions only if you are covered by an HSA-qualified health plan, also known as a high-deductible health plan (HDHP).
How To Know If Health Plan Is Hsa Eligible
Is my health insurance HSA-eligible?
HSA: Eligibility
You must participate in a High Deductible Health Plan, have no other insurance coverage other than those specifically allowed, and not be claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax return in order to be eligible for an HSA.
What happens if a company doesn't offer HSA?
While HSAs are often offered as a work benefit, you may be able to open an account if your employer doesn't offer one or if you're self-employed or unemployed.
When am I not eligible for HSA?
If you or your spouse participates in a Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (Healthcare FSA) or a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) that allows for reimbursement of your medical expenses, you are not eligible to establish a new HSA or make contributions to a current HSA.
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).
Can I use HSA for gym membership?
Gym memberships. While some companies and private insurers may offer discounts on gym memberships, you generally can't use your FSA or HSA account to pay for gym or health club memberships. An exception to that rule would be if your doctor deems fitness medically necessary for your recovery or treatment.
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.
Can HSA be denied?
Having an HDHP is one of the requirements to start an HSA, but it does not guarantee your eligibility. For instance, having an HDHP but being enrolled in Medicare or being listed as a dependent on another person's tax returns could result in your HSA eligibility being denied.
Why can't I contribute to an HSA?
You can contribute to an HSA only if you have an HSA-eligible plan (also called a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)). HSA-eligible plans: May have lower monthly premiums. Often have higher deductibles.
What makes you ineligible for HSA?
An employee covered by an HDHP and a health FSA or an HRA that pays or reimburses qualified medical expenses generally cannot make contributions to an HSA.
Why can't I have an HSA with a PPO plan?
Yes—you can use an HSA with a PPO. But not with just any PPO. Since an HSA isn't actually a type of health insurance, HSAs provide the flexibility to be integrated with any HSA-eligible high-deductible health plan (HDHP). As long as your PPO is an HSA-eligible HDHP, you can use an HSA with the PPO without issue.
Why does my HSA card keep getting declined?
Reasons for Declined HSA/FSA Transactions
Insufficient funds. Funds have expired or do not roll over. Card has not been activated / set up by the client for utilization.
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.
Does HSA really save money?
While you have the flexibility to withdraw as little or as much as you need to help pay for health care expenses, the HSA is really designed to help you save money and build up your balance so that you're prepared for future health care expenses, including in retirement when you're likely to have more medical expenses ...
Is it better to have an HSA or traditional health plan?
The decision is different for each individual. If you are generally healthy and/or have a reasonable idea of your annual health care expenses, then you could save a lot of money from the lower premiums and valuable tax-advantaged account with the HSA plan.
What makes a health plan HSA-eligible?
HSA-qualified HDHPs must have a higher annual deductible than regular individual health insurance plans, a maximum limit on annual deductible and medical costs, and offer no insurance coverage until the plan participant reaches the deductible.
Who should not use an HSA?
HSAs might not make sense if you have some type of chronic medical condition. In that case, you're probably better served by traditional health plans. HSAs might also not be a good idea if you know you will be needing expensive medical care in the near future.
What is the penalty for ineligible HSA contributions?
If your HSA contains excess or ineligible contributions you will generally owe the IRS a 6% excess-contribution penalty tax for each year that the excess contribution remains in your HSA. It is recommended you speak with a tax advisor for guidance.
Why is my high deductible plan not HSA-eligible?
According to the IRS, HSA-qualified HDHPs must have the following: A higher annual deductible than typical individual health insurance plans. A maximum limit on the annual deductible and medical expense costs, including copays and other items.
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.
Is an HSA or FSA better?
Bottom line: Both HSAs and FSAs provide financial benefits for managing health care expenses. HSAs offer more flexibility and long-term growth potential, making them a valuable tool for future financial planning. Learn about HSA options from Aetna.