HSA Limits for 2021

Health Saving Accounts and ObamaCare for 2021

We cover everything you need to know about Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for 2021, including how HSAs work with health plans under the Affordable Care Act.

TIP: The Affordable Care Act is sometimes called “ObamaCare” or the “ACA” for short. Thus, this page is about HSAs and how they work with ObamaCare / ACA plans. Learn more about the Affordable Care Act.

HSA Chart for 2021

HSA Limits 2021 Summary

Below are the limits for contributions, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums for HSAs.

HSA Contribution Limit for 2021

• Self-only: $3,600
• Family: $7,200

NOTE: 55 plus can contribute an extra $1,000.

NOTE: The contribution limit, which is the total you can contribute in 2018 if you are under 55. Those 55 or older can contribute an extra $1,000, and this is shown in the fourth column.

Minimum Deductible for HSA Eligibility

• Self-only: $1,400
• Family: $2,800

NOTE: The minimum deductible, which is the minimum deductible your High Deductible Health Plan must have after cost assistance.

Maximum Out-of-Pocket Limit for HSA Eligibility

• Self-only: $7,000
• Family: $14,000

NOTE: The maximum out-of-pocket is the highest maximum a plan can have to qualify for an HSA.

TIP: The maximums are slightly lower on HSA compatible plans then they are in general on health plans. This has to do with the fact that the rates are raised by different mechanisms. The difference allows for non-HSA compatible high deductible plans. Thus, if you want an HSA, make sure your plan is “HSA Eligible.”

TIP: See Revenue Procedure 2020-32 for final HSA levels.

What Are Health Savings Accounts?

Health savings accounts are tax-advantaged medical savings accounts that you can draw money from for certain medical expenses. They work a bit like a 401k, but money is tax-free in and tax-free out. They are very useful in this respect as they can drop your MAGI (household income after deductions), help you pay fewer taxes, and help you qualify for more assistance.

However, they have some caveats too. Specifically, you can’t pay your premiums with an HSA, and like with a 401k or IRA, you can lose money if you take risky bets so be cautious if you are going to invest your HSA funds.

One last note, to fund an HSA you need to have a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) that counts as Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC). So any marketplace plan with a high deductible after cost-sharing assistance or any private major medical plan. Employer plans typically need to be paired with employer offered accounts. Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, aren’t HSA eligible.