Compute your 2026 HSA contribution headroom: $4,400 individual / $8,750 family + $1,000 catch-up at 55+. Pro-rates partial-year HDHP coverage and applies the last-month rule.
Detailed instructions, formula notes, and US-context guidance shown in the calculator above.
Disclaimer: Estimate only. Consult a qualified professional for decisions with major financial, legal, or health consequences.
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Calculator information
📋 How to use this calculator
- Select coverage type — Self-Only HDHP or Family HDHP (impacts annual cap).
- Enter number of months you were HDHP-covered in 2026.
- Set age (55+ gets $1,000 catch-up).
- Optionally apply Last-Month Rule (full-year cap if HDHP-covered on Dec 1).
- Review pro-rated limit, total cap, and your contribution headroom.
🧮 2026 HSA Contribution Limits
Annual_limit = Base_cap x (Months_HDHP / 12) + Catch_up_if_55+
- Self-only HDHP base: $4,400
- Family HDHP base: $8,750
- Age 55+ catch-up: $1,000 (each spouse if both 55+ on separate HSAs)
- Last-month rule: if HDHP-covered Dec 1, full-year cap allowed (testing period: stay HDHP for next 12 mo)
- HDHP min deductible 2026: $1,650 self / $3,300 family
Contributions through payroll = pre-tax (no FICA, no federal/most state income tax). Outside payroll = federal income tax deduction only (FICA already paid). Investment growth tax-free. Qualified medical withdrawals tax-free. Triple tax advantage = most powerful US tax shelter.
💡 Worked example: Family HDHP, both spouses 56, full year coverage
Given:- Coverage type: Family
- Months HDHP-covered: 12
- Both spouses 55+
- Each spouse needs separate HSA for catch-up
Steps:- Base family cap: $8,750
- Spouse A catch-up (own HSA): $1,000
- Spouse B catch-up (own HSA): $1,000
- Total household HSA contribution: $10,750
- Federal tax savings at 22% bracket: $2,365
Result: Max household contribution $10,750, $2,365 federal tax saved. Plus FICA savings ($822) if via payroll → total tax savings $3,187/yr.
❓ Frequently asked questions
What is an HDHP and how do I know if I have one?
High-Deductible Health Plan (2026): minimum deductible $1,650 self / $3,300 family, maximum out-of-pocket $8,300 self / $16,600 family. Your insurance card/plan documents say 'HDHP' or 'HSA-eligible'. Not all high-deductible plans are HSA-eligible — must meet the specific IRS definition AND have no first-dollar coverage outside preventive care.
Can I have an HSA if my spouse has FSA at their job?
Generally NO — a general-purpose Health FSA from spouse's employer disqualifies you from HSA contributions (treated as 'other health coverage'). EXCEPTION: 'Limited Purpose FSA' covering only dental/vision is allowed. Verify spouse's FSA type before contributing to your HSA. If you accidentally contribute while ineligible, excess contributions face 6% annual excise tax until withdrawn.
What can I spend HSA funds on?
Qualified medical expenses per IRS Pub 502: doctor visits, prescriptions, dental, vision, mental health, medical equipment, COBRA premiums during unemployment, LTC insurance premiums (age-tiered limits), Medicare premiums (after 65). NOT general health (gym, vitamins unless prescribed, cosmetic). After age 65, you can withdraw for ANY purpose paying ordinary income tax (acts like Traditional IRA). Penalty (20%) only for non-medical pre-65.
Should I invest HSA funds or keep cash?
Mathematically: invest above your 'medical emergency buffer'. Typical strategy — keep 6 months of expected OOP costs in cash, invest the rest in index funds. Most HSA custodians (Fidelity, Lively) offer self-directed investing once balance exceeds $1,000-2,500. Investing transforms HSA into a retirement supplement — at 7% growth, $7K/yr for 30 years = $700K+ tax-free for medical expenses.
What happens to my HSA if I switch jobs?
HSA is YOURS — fully portable, doesn't disappear when you change employers. Three options: (1) Keep it where it is (likely added monthly fee at the previous custodian); (2) Roll over to your new employer's HSA (if better fees/investment options); (3) Roll over to a personal HSA (Fidelity HSA has $0 fees and full investing). Once-per-year rollover rule applies. Direct trustee-to-trustee transfers don't count against the once-per-year limit.
📚 Sources & references
Last updated: May 23, 2026