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CareersIRS Announces HSA/HDHP Limits for 2021
On May 20, 2020, the IRS released Revenue Procedure 2020-32 to provide the inflation-adjusted limits for health savings accounts (HSAs) and high deductible health plans (HDHPs) for 2021. The IRS is required to publish these limits by June 1 of each year.
These limits include:
- The maximum HSA contribution limit;
- The minimum deductible amount for HDHPs; and
- The maximum out-of-pocket expense limit for HDHPs.
These limits vary based on whether an individual has self-only or family coverage under an HDHP.
Eligible individuals with self-only HDHP coverage will be able to contribute $3,600 to their HSAs for 2021, up from $3,550 for 2020. Eligible individuals with family HDHP coverage will be able to contribute $7,200 to their HSAs for 2021, up from $7,100 for 2020. Individuals who are age 55 or older are permitted to make an additional $1,000 “catch-up” contribution to their HSAs.
The minimum deductible amount for HDHPs remains the same for 2021 plan years ($1,400 for self-only coverage and $2,800 for family coverage). However, the HDHP maximum out-of-pocket expense limit increases to $7,000 for self-only coverage and $14,000 for family coverage.
Action Steps for Employers
Employers that sponsor HDHPs should review their plan’s cost-sharing limits (minimum deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket expense limit) when preparing for the plan year beginning in 2021. Also, employers that allow employees to make pre-tax HSA contributions should update their plan communications for the increased contribution limits.
HSA/HDHP
The following chart shows the HSA and HDHP limits for 2021 as compared to 2020. It also includes the catch-up contribution limit that applies to HSA-eligible individuals who are age 55 or older, which is not adjusted for inflation and stays the same from year to year.
| Type of Limit | 2020 | 2021 | Change | |
| HSA Contribution Limit | Self-only | $3,550 | $3,600 | Up $50 |
| Family | $7,100 | $7,200 | Up $100 | |
| HSA Catch-up Contributions (not subject to adjustment for inflation) | Age 55 or older | $1,000 | $1,000 | No change |
| HDHP Minimum Deductible | Self-only | $1,400 | $1,400 | No change |
| Family | $2,800 | $2,800 | No change | |
| HDHP Maximum Out-of-pocket Expense Limit (deductibles, copayments and other amounts, but not premiums) | Self-only | $6,900 | $7,000 | Up $100 |
| Family | $13,800 | $14,000 | Up $200 | |
This regulatory update is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel for legal advice.