If you're shopping for health insurance on the ACA marketplace and want to maximize your tax savings with a Health Savings Account (HSA), you might be wondering whether bronze-level ACA plans qualify. The answer is yes, but with some important details you need to know.
The Short Answer is “Yes”
Yes, bronze-level ACA plans are now HSA-eligible. As of January 1, 2026, the IRS has clarified that bronze plans with an actuarial value of 60% are treated as high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) for HSA purposes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
What Changed in 2026?
Previously, there was ambiguity about whether bronze marketplace plans met the technical requirements to be considered HDHPs for HSA eligibility. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act resolved this uncertainty by explicitly recognizing bronze-level plans as qualifying HDHPs.
This change makes HSAs accessible to significantly more individuals shopping on the health insurance marketplace, particularly those who choose bronze plans for their lower monthly premiums.
Understanding Bronze Plans
Bronze plans are the most affordable coverage tier available on the ACA marketplace. Here's what you need to know:
- **Actuarial value:** Bronze plans cover approximately 60% of healthcare costs on average, with you paying the remaining 40% through deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
- Lower premiums: Bronze plans typically have the lowest monthly premiums among marketplace plans (compared to silver, gold, and platinum tiers).
- Higher out-of-pocket costs: To offset the lower premiums, bronze plans come with higher deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.
- Preventive care: Like all ACA plans, bronze plans cover preventive care services at no cost to you, even before you meet your deductible.
Why Bronze Plans Work Well with HSAs
The combination of a bronze plan and an HSA can be financially powerful:
- **Triple tax advantage:** HSA contributions are tax-deductible, grow tax-free, and can be withdrawn tax-free for qualified medical expenses.
- Cover your deductible: The higher deductible of a bronze plan can be managed by using tax-advantaged HSA funds to pay for healthcare costs.
- Long-term savings: Unused HSA funds roll over year after year, unlike Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Your HSA can become a powerful retirement healthcare savings vehicle.
Who Should Consider a Bronze Plan with an HSA?
This strategy works well for:
- Healthy individuals who don't expect frequent medical care beyond preventive services
- High earners who benefit most from the tax deductions and want to reduce taxable income
- Long-term savers who can afford to fund their HSA and let it grow for future healthcare costs or retirement
- Self-employed individuals who pay their own health insurance and want maximum tax advantages
- Young professionals building long-term savings while minimizing current healthcare costs
When a Bronze Plan Might Not Be Right
Consider other options if you:
- Have chronic health conditions requiring frequent care and medications
- Expect significant medical expenses in the coming year
- Prefer predictable copays over high deductibles
- Cannot afford to pay the full deductible if unexpected medical costs arise
- Qualify for premium tax credits that make silver plans more affordable (Cost-Sharing Reductions only apply to silver plans)
Conclusion
Bronze-level ACA marketplace plans are now HSA-eligible as of 2026, opening up powerful tax-saving opportunities for individuals and families shopping on the marketplace. By pairing a low-premium bronze plan with maximum HSA contributions, you can minimize your monthly healthcare costs while building tax-advantaged savings for current and future medical expenses.
Want help understanding which account(s) make the most sense for you or your business? Schedule a free consultation.
