Self-Employed Freelancers Can Now Use Bronze and Catastrophic Marketplace Plans With HSAs Starting 2026

Self-employed workers can now pair lower-cost bronze and catastrophic marketplace plans with HSAs, thanks to changes effective January 1, 2026. This shift expands HSA eligibility beyond traditional high-deductible health plans, allowing freelancers to access the triple tax advantage—pre-tax contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses—without paying for higher-premium HDHPs. The change opens HSA access to millions of self-employed workers who previously had to buy more expensive coverage to qualify. HSA contributions for 2025 must be made by April 15, 2026, with limits of $4,150 for self-only coverage and $8,300 for family coverage. The new rules also permit HSA funds to cover direct primary care (DPC) membership fees, which typically range from $50 to $150 per month. Telehealth services can now be used tax-free before meeting the deductible, with the change made permanent by Treasury and IRS guidance. HSA contribution limits for 2026 rose to $4,400 for individual coverage and $8,750 for family coverage. Enhanced premium tax credits, which cap at 8.5% of household income for middle earners, remain in place for 2026 but are scheduled to sunset unless Congress extends them.