Who Is Eligible to Open a Health Savings Account (HSA)?

Quick answer: To open a Health Savings Account (HSA), you must be enrolled in an HSA-eligible High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), have no other disqualifying health coverage (including Medicare), and not be claimed as a dependent on anyone else's tax return. There are no income limits.

An HSA is a tax-advantaged savings account for medical expenses. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sets the eligibility rules, so they are the same regardless of which bank or company administers your church's HSA.

Eligibility Requirements

To open and contribute to an HSA, you must meet ALL of the following:

• You have an HSA-eligible health plan — typically a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), and some Bronze or Catastrophic plans that meet IRS deductible and out-of-pocket rules (see the 2026 numbers below).

• You are covered by that plan on the first day of the month in which you want to start contributing.

• You have a valid email address, Social Security Number, and a primary residence in the United States.

• You have no other disqualifying coverage, including:

  • Any other non-HDHP health plan

  • Medicare Part A or Part B

  • TRICARE (military health coverage)

  • A general-purpose healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) — limited-purpose versions may be permitted

• You have not used Veterans Administration (VA) medical benefits for a non-service-connected condition in the previous three months.

• You cannot be claimed as a dependent on another person's tax return.

2026 High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) Requirements

For your health plan to qualify as an HDHP in 2026, it must meet these IRS thresholds:

Good to Know

• No income limits: Eligibility is not restricted by how much you earn, and you are not required to have earned income to contribute.

• Not sure if your plan qualifies? Check your plan documents or insurance card for "HSA-eligible" or "HDHP," or ask your insurance carrier.

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