New for 2026: All ACA Bronze Plans Are Now HSA-Eligible
Beginning in 2026, every Bronze plan sold through the Health Insurance Marketplace will automatically qualify as HSA-eligible. This is a major change from previous years, when only certain high-deductible Bronze plans met the requirements for Health Savings Account contributions. In the past, HSA-eligible options were limited. Now the rule is straightforward: any Bronze plan can be paired with an HSA.
This update expands access to HSAs and simplifies the enrollment process for individuals who want a tax-advantaged way to manage health care costs.
What Makes an HSA So Valuable?
An HSA is the only tool that delivers triple tax savings:
- Tax-deductible contributions
- Tax-free growth on interest or investments
- Tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses
Plus:
- Funds roll over every year — there’s no “use it or lose it.”
- You own the account, even if you change jobs or your insurance changes.
- You can save for both today’s medical costs and future expenses in retirement.
- It’s one of the most flexible, consumer-friendly savings tools available.
Why This Matters
This broader eligibility makes Bronze plans more appealing for people who want lower premiums and the option to set aside pre-tax money for medical expenses through an HSA. It also eliminates confusion for Marketplace shoppers who previously found HSA rules difficult to navigate.
However, it remains important to choose a health plan based primarily on your coverage needs. The right plan depends on factors such as your expected medical usage, prescription needs, preferred providers, and your ability to manage higher out-of-pocket costs. The HSA feature should be considered an added benefit, not the sole reason for selecting a plan.
Bottom Line
Starting in 2026, all Bronze Marketplace plans become HSA-eligible, offering greater flexibility and clarity for consumers. While the expanded HSA access is a positive development, selecting the most appropriate coverage for your health and financial situation should remain the top priority.
Did You Know?
Your employer sponsors this financial wellness benefit from Francis. The benefit connects you with down-to-earth financial planners who educate and advise on any money matters…without the sales pitch. We are exclusively engaged by employers like yours and have no investment products to sell, so you can feel confident that you will always receive objective advice.
Your financial planner will help you set priorities and achieve your money goals, without judgment or financial jargon. Know that all discussions are kept strictly confidential. This service is offered as an employee benefit with no per-session co-pays, so you can meet with a financial planner as often as you wish. Services are paid by your retirement plan or your employer.
Connecting with a financial planner is easy! Here’s how:
- Visit FrancisWay.com > Services > Participant Portal
- Call (866) 232-6457
Download the free mobile app (Search for Francis LLC)
Visit the Learning Library
