Get tax-free savings for medical expenses in Bronze plans

Save for medical expenses with an HSA-qualified plan, even in Bronze plans

Shopping for a health plan that you can pair with a tax-free medical savings plan? You can get those benefits in nearly all Bronze plans, which are eligible for Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

In early 2026, federal HSA rules expanded to qualify all Individual Bronze and Catastrophic plans as high-deductible health plans (HDHPs)—provided they are available on CoverME.gov, Maine’s ACA health insurance marketplace. 

Here's what you need to know: 

All Marketplace Bronze plans are HSA-friendly. That means you have many more options to save money for doctor visits, medicine and other health costs—both now and in the future. You won’t pay taxes on money you contribute, or on interest, investment earnings, and withdrawals (provided you spend the money on qualified medical expenses). Many people even benefit from investing their HSA money in an index fund or other investment vehicle to grow their savings even more.

You can save money in an HSA even if your Bronze plan isn’t a traditional HSA-qualified plan and pays some benefits before you meet your deductible. Previously, HSA-qualified plans could not cover doctor visits or prescriptions before you met your deductible. That’s still true for traditional HSA plans but doesn't apply to Bronze plans sold through the CoverME.gov marketplace.

At Community Health Options, you can spot these plans because they have “HSA” or “HSA Plus” in the plan name. The rules also don’t apply to Bronze plans sold off-marketplace or through employers. 

How you can use an HSA

Whether you buy a plan on your own, or you have an HSA option at work, these accounts let you set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for most medical expenses. You can use this money for copayments, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket costs, which lowers your overall health care spending because you’re saving on taxes. You can’t use HSA funds to pay premiums, but the rules now let you pay membership fees at a direct primary care practice—a rule that applies to all HSA plans, whether you buy the plan on your own on get it from work.

Your money grows tax-free

Unlike a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), which is usually offered through an employer and has a “use-it-or-lose-it” rule each year, an HSA is yours to keep, save and invest—even if your employer offers it— giving you more control over how you pay for healthcare now and in the future. You can contribute to an HSA on your own or through payroll, and the money grows tax-free until you need it. HSAs can be used well into retirement, giving you more long-term flexibility. Any unused money collects interest or can be invested in the stock market, and when you turn 65, you can use the money for anything you want. Keep in mind that any money used for non-medical expenses counts as taxable income.

The Internal Revenue Service sets annual limits on how much you can contribute to your HSA. For 2027, you can save up to $4,500 for individual coverage or $9,000 for family coverage. If you’re 55 or older, you can add an extra $1,000 in catch-up contributions.

When comparing plans, remember: HSA-qualified family plans require a minimum embedded deductible—the amount each family member must pay before the plan starts covering their care. This rule still applies for traditional HSA-qualified plans, but not for Marketplace Bronze plans. 

Community Health Options can help you choose a plan, or you can choose a plan through your trusted broker or CoverME.gov. Then you can work with your bank, broker or financial advisor to set up your HSA account.

Open Enrollment is from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15 for plans beginning Jan. 1. If you want to wait, you have until Jan. 15 to choose a plan that starts Feb. 1. Want to check out our 2027 plans? Start here. 

Want to talk with someone about our HSA-eligible plans? Schedule a call with a Community Health Options advisor to explore your options. Questions about your current plan or coverage? Call us at (855) 624-6463, Monday through Friday, or email us and we’ll get back to you.

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