Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) offer a unique opportunity to manage healthcare expenses efficiently. But not everyone is eligible to contribute. Learn about this years HSA eligibility criteria.
2025 HSA Eligibility Criteria
In this post, we’ll explore the eligibility criteria for contributing to an HSA and how HSA MEC plans can be a game-changer for those covered by health sharing plans.
What is a Health Savings Account?
A Health Savings Account is a tax-advantaged account designed for individuals with high-deductible health plans (HDHPs).
They offer a triple tax benefit unmatched by any other savings vehicle in the tax code:
- Pre-tax contributions
- Tax-deferred growth
- Tax free distributions for qualified healthcare expenses.
Pound for pound, the HSA is arguably the best savings and wealth accumulation tool available to individual taxpayers – especially those in higher income tax brackets. Here’s how you can make yourself eligible to contribute to one.
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HSA Eligibility Criteria
- No Other Health Coverage – If you have health insurance other than an HDHP, including Medicare, TRICARE, or TRICARE For Life, you’re generally ineligible for an HSA. You cannot be enrolled in a spouse’s plan (unless that plan is HSA-eligible). You must not have used VA medical benefits within the last three months. Exception: Veterans with service-connected disabilities or who have only accessed disregarded coverage and preventative services over the prior three months.
- Not Claimed as a Dependent – You cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return if you wish to contribute to an HSA.
- No Disqualifying Accounts – You are generally ineligible to contribute to an HSA if you have certain disqualifying medical savings accounts, like a Flexible Spending Account or a Health Reimbursement Arrangement.
Q: I have a health plan that only covers telehealth and other remote care. Can I still be HSA-eligible?
A: Yes. As long as you are covered under a qualified HDHP, and you meet the other criteria above, the mere fact that you have a telehealth/remote care won’t disqualify you from contributing to an HSA.
Q. I’m enrolled in an HDHP, but my spouse has a regular health plan from her employer. Am I still eligible?
Yes, you are eligible if you meet the other criteria above, provided you are not covered under your spouse’s plan.
Q: I have a prescription drug plan separate from my HDHP plan. Does that affect my eligibility to contribute to an HSA?
A: Possibly. But not if your drug plan has the same deductible as your HDHP or higher.
If your prescription drug plan pays benefits before you meet that deductible, then it won’t be HSA compatible.
What is the Maximum Amount I can Contribute to an HSA?
As of 2025, the maximum combined amount you can contribute to a health savings account is $4,150 for an individual plan, and up to $8,300 for a family.
Those aged 50 or older can contribute an additional $1,000 in “catch-up” contributions.
Are There Income Limitations?
No. Unlike Roth IRAs, there are no income limitations or thresholds when it comes to contributing to an HSA. You can contribute the maximum amount regardless of your income.
Understanding High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs)
What Qualifies as an HDHP?
An HDHP is defined not just by high deductibles but also by minimum deductible and maximum out-of-pocket expense limits.
- 2025 HDHP Minimum Deductibles – For 2025, the minimum annual deductible is $1,600 for individual coverage and $3,200 for family coverage.
- 2025 HDHP Maximum Out Of Pocket Expenses – The maximum out-of-pocket expenses are $7,000 for individuals and $14,000 for families.
Your plan documents will tell you if your health insurance plan is HSA-eligible. If you’re not sure, contact a Personal Benefits Manager.
Benefits of an HDHP
HDHPs can lower your monthly premium costs. Combined with an HSA, they offer a way to save for medical expenses while enjoying tax benefits.
NEW! Health Sharing Members Can Become Eligible to Contribute to an HSA!
Until very recently, it was impossible for most health sharing members to contribute to health savings accounts.
This is because health sharing plans are not qualified HDHPs. For years, HSA SECURE was the only health sharing plan that was HSA-compatible, because the plan also had a built-in limited benefit health plan that was specifically designed to preserve HSA eligibility for members under the Affordable Care Act.
However, thanks to recent innovations in the healthcare financing industry, it’s now possible for anyone who is a business owner, an independent contractor, or who has verifiable self-employment income to purchase a standalone limited benefit HDHP to go along with any health sharing plan.
So any health sharing plan can now be combined with a health savings account, in combination with HSA MEC.
What is HSA MEC?
HSA MEC, offered by HSA for America, is a limited benefit plan that complements your existing health sharing plan. It’s designed to make you eligible to contribute to an HSA, even if you’re not covered by a traditional HDHP.
Benefits of HSA MEC
- Preventive Care and Flu Shots: Includes preventive care services and access to annual flu shots and other immunizations.
- Telemedicine Services: Access telemedicine services without a copay, providing convenient and cost-effective healthcare.
- Compatible with Health Sharing Plans: Works alongside your health sharing plan, offering an additional layer of financial and health security.
- HSA Account Inclusion: Comes with an HSA account, allowing you to contribute and save for medical expenses.
Why Choose HSA MEC?
For those with health sharing plans, HSA MEC is a new, innovative, and affordable way to become eligible for HSA contributions. It bridges the gap between non-traditional health coverage and the benefits of an HSA.
And because it’s a limited benefit plan, it does so with little or no overlap with your health sharing plan (except as necessary to preserve MEC status), and it does so at minimal cost.
Expanded Health Coverage
Alongside your health sharing plan, HSA MEC offers preventive care and telemedicine services, enhancing your healthcare options.
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Conclusion: Maximizing Your Healthcare Savings
Understanding HSA eligibility and options like HSA MEC can significantly impact how you manage and save for healthcare expenses. With the right plan, you can enjoy the benefits of an HSA, regardless of your current health coverage.
Are you interested in exploring HSA MEC or need guidance on choosing the right HDHP? Our Personal Benefits Managers at HSA for America are ready to assist you.
Contact us today to maximize your healthcare savings and secure your health future.
For Further Reading: How to Open an HSA in Colorado |Colorado Residents: What To Do With Your Tax Refund in 2025 |How to Get the Most Out of Your HSA Account
Christine Corsini is a health insurance and medical cost sharing expert, and a Personal Benefits Manager at ColoHealth. Her goal is to help people embrace life’s amazing possibilities by staying healthy, saving money, and making the best decisions when it comes to healthcare.
