Updated 10/24/2026
Quick answer: For 2027 you can put up to $4,500 into a Health Savings Account (HSA) with self-only high-deductible coverage, or $9,000 with family coverage, plus $1,000 more if you are 55 or older. Your employer’s deposits count toward the same limit. A family in the 22% federal bracket that fills $9,000 through payroll keeps about $2,668 a year that would otherwise go to tax.
The 2027 numbers
| 2026 | 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| HSA limit, self-only | $4,400 | $4,500 |
| HSA limit, family | $8,750 | $9,000 |
| Extra if 55 or older | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| HDHP minimum deductible (self / family) | $1,700 / $3,400 | $1,750 / $3,500 |
| HDHP out-of-pocket maximum (self / family) | $8,500 / $17,000 | $8,700 / $17,400 |
Why an HSA beats a normal savings account
An HSA is the only common account where money can avoid tax three times: it goes in before income tax, it grows without tax, and it comes out tax-free when you spend it on qualified medical costs. When you contribute through payroll, it also skips the 7.65% Social Security and Medicare tax.
The dollar math
| You contribute through payroll | Tax rate saved | Kept per year |
|---|---|---|
| $9,000 family, 22% bracket | 22% + 7.65% | $2,668.50 |
| $9,000 family, 12% bracket | 12% + 7.65% | $1,768.50 |
| $4,500 self-only, 22% bracket | 22% + 7.65% | $1,334.25 |
Who can contribute
- You are covered by a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) that meets the IRS minimums above.
- You generally have no other health coverage that is not an HDHP.
- You are not enrolled in Medicare.
- No one can claim you as a dependent.
Pay yourself back later
You do not have to spend the HSA on this year’s doctor visits. You can pay medical bills out of pocket, keep the receipts, leave the HSA invested, and reimburse yourself later for qualified expenses you had after the HSA was opened. Keep every receipt in one folder.
Is an HDHP right for your family?
An HDHP has a higher deductible, so compare the full year: premiums plus the medical costs you expect, minus your employer’s HSA deposit and your tax savings. Families with low, predictable medical use usually come out ahead. Families expecting large bills should run both plans before choosing.
If you change jobs or leave the U.S.
The HSA belongs to you, not your employer, so it moves with you. Money taken out for non-medical costs before age 65 is taxed and generally hit with an extra 20% tax.
Put it on autopilot
- Pick a per-paycheck amount in open enrollment so the full limit fills by December.
- Turn on auto-invest above a cash cushion your family is comfortable with.
- Payroll HSA amounts can usually be changed during the year; ask HR how often.
Get the 2028 HSA limits when they are announced
One short email when the IRS makes next year's limits official, plus a one-page checklist. No spam. Unsubscribe any time.
See the HSA next to your 401(k), childcare and other benefits: Family Money Autopilot.
Sources
- IFEBP: IRS releases 2027 HSA and HDHP amounts
- EY Tax News: 2027 HSA limits
- PLANSPONSOR: 2027 HSA limits
- IRS Publication 969: HSAs
This is education, not tax, legal or financial advice. Check your plan documents or a tax professional for your situation.