Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are a tax-advantaged way to save for medical expenses, offering significant financial benefits to eligible individuals.
The IRS adjusts HSA contribution limits annually to account for inflation, so staying informed about the latest limits is essential for maximizing your savings.
Below, we’ll explore the 2024 and 2025 contribution limits, eligibility requirements, and how HSAs can fit into your overall financial plan.
HSA Overview
An HSA is a tax-advantaged account designed to help individuals with high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) save for medical expenses. These accounts allow for three major tax benefits:
- Contributions are either pre-tax or tax-deductible.
- Growth on investments within the HSA is tax-free.
- Withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are also tax-free.
Unlike Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), your HSA balance carries over each year and stays with you even if you change jobs or retire. Contributions can come from you or your employer, but employer contributions are excluded from your gross income.
Qualified Medical Expenses
The IRS defines a wide range of qualified medical expenses that you can use HSA funds for, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision care
- Family planning services
- Some insurance premiums
- Health care-related travel costs
However, there are restrictions. Nutritional supplements or weight-loss programs not prescribed by a physician, for instance, are not eligible.
In some cases, a cosmetic procedure may qualify if it is necessary to improve a deformity caused by injury or illness.
Penalties for Non-Qualified Withdrawals
If you use your HSA funds for non-qualified expenses before the age of 65, the IRS imposes a 20% penalty, plus taxes on the withdrawal.
However, after age 65, you can withdraw funds for any reason without penalty—though you’ll still owe taxes on non-medical withdrawals.
Contributing more than the allowed limit also triggers a 6% excise tax on the excess amount, so it’s crucial to stay within the IRS limits.
2024 HSA Contribution Limits
For 2024, the IRS has set the following contribution limits:
- Self-only coverage: Up to $4,150
- Family coverage: Up to $8,300
If you’re 55 or older, you can contribute an additional $1,000 as a catch-up contribution. However, if you’re not covered by an eligible HDHP for the entire year, you may only contribute a prorated amount unless you meet specific requirements.
2025 HSA Contribution Limits
For 2025, the IRS has increased the contribution limits:
- Self-only coverage: Up to $4,300
- Family coverage: Up to $8,550
The catch-up contribution for individuals 55 and older remains at $1,000. These new limits reflect the annual inflation adjustment that ensures the HSA contribution keeps pace with rising healthcare costs.
Year | Self-only Limit | Family Limit | Catch-up Contribution |
---|---|---|---|
2025 | $4,300 | $8,550 | $1,000 |
2024 | $4,150 | $8,300 | $1,000 |
2023 | $3,850 | $7,750 | $1,000 |
Eligibility for HSA Contributions
To contribute to an HSA, you must meet specific eligibility requirements:
- Be covered under a high-deductible health plan (HDHP).
- Not have any other health coverage (with some exceptions).
- Not be enrolled in Medicare.
- Not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
For 2024, an HDHP must have:
- A minimum deductible of $1,600 for individual plans or $3,200 for family plans.
- An out-of-pocket maximum of $8,050 for individual plans or $16,100 for family plans.
Using an HSA in Retirement
One significant advantage of an HSA is its flexibility in retirement. After you turn 65, you can use your HSA funds for non-medical expenses without incurring the 20% penalty—though you’ll still owe income taxes on those withdrawals.
This makes HSAs a powerful tool for retirement savings since it allows you to grow your savings tax-free and gives you a backup source of income for healthcare or other expenses.
Historical HSA Contribution Limits
The IRS adjusts HSA limits annually, typically increasing them to match inflation. Here’s a look at how HSA limits have evolved over the past decade:
Year | Self-only Limit | Family Limit |
---|---|---|
2025 | $4,300 | $8,550 |
2024 | $4,150 | $8,300 |
2023 | $3,850 | $7,750 |
2022 | $3,650 | $7,300 |
2021 | $3,600 | $7,200 |
2020 | $3,550 | $7,100 |
2019 | $3,500 | $7,000 |
2018 | $3,450 | $6,900 |
2017 | $3,400 | $6,750 |
2016 | $3,350 | $6,750 |
2015 | $3,350 | $6,650 |
The catch-up contribution has remained $1,000 for those 55 and older throughout this period.
Should You Switch to an HDHP for an HSA?
Switching to an HDHP to take advantage of HSA benefits can be a strategic move, especially if you’re young and healthy.
With lower premiums but higher deductibles, an HDHP may offer substantial tax savings through your HSA. You can invest unused funds to grow tax-free for future healthcare costs or retirement.
However, it’s essential to weigh the risks. HDHPs may not be ideal for individuals with high healthcare expenses or those who need frequent medical care. If you’re considering a switch, review your annual medical spending and budget for any out-of-pocket maximums your plan may include.
HSAs provide valuable tax advantages and a flexible way to save for both current and future medical expenses.
With higher contribution limits in 2025, taxpayers can take advantage of these accounts to further reduce their tax burden and grow savings for long-term health costs. Be sure to monitor the annual adjustments and confirm your eligibility to maximize your benefits.
FAQs
What are the HSA contribution limits for 2024?
In 2024, the contribution limits are $4,150 for individuals and $8,300 for families.
How much can I contribute to an HSA in 2025?
In 2025, you can contribute up to $4,300 for individual coverage and $8,550 for family coverage.
What is the catch-up contribution for HSA holders aged 55 and older?
The catch-up contribution remains $1,000 for those aged 55 and older.
Can I use HSA funds for non-medical expenses?
Yes, but before age 65, non-medical withdrawals incur a 20% penalty plus taxes. After 65, there’s no penalty, but you’ll still owe income taxes on non-medical withdrawals.
What qualifies as an HDHP for HSA eligibility?
In 2024, an HDHP must have a minimum deductible of $1,600 for individuals or $3,200 for families, with out-of-pocket maximums of $8,050 for individuals and $16,100 for families.