A High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) is a health plan design that pairs a lower monthly premium with a higher annual deductible, meeting IRS thresholds required to be paired with an HSA under Internal Revenue Code Section 223. For 2026, per IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-19, a qualifying HDHP must carry a minimum deductible of $1,700 for self-only coverage ($3,400 for family coverage) and a maximum out-of-pocket limit of $8,500 for self-only coverage ($17,000 for family coverage). HSA contribution limits for 2026 rise to $4,400 for self-only coverage and $8,750 for family coverage.
HDHP/SO premiums averaged $8,620 vs. $9,325 for single coverage and $25,379 vs. $26,993 for family coverage, meaningfully lower than PPO averages, per KFF's 2025 survey. The well-documented tradeoff is deferred care, even for services covered pre-deductible under IRS safe harbor.
Per IRS Notice 2026-5, HDHPs may now offer certain telehealth services pre-deductible, and enrollment in a Direct Primary Care arrangement no longer automatically disqualifies HSA eligibility, provided the DPC fee stays at or below $150/month.
For 2026, per IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-19, the minimum HDHP deductible is $1,700 for self-only coverage and $3,400 for family coverage, with out-of-pocket maximums of $8,500 and $17,000 respectively.
Yes. Most preventive services remain covered before the deductible applies under IRS safe harbor rules, regardless of plan design.
Every term here points to the same gap in healthcare access. See how the CareStation closes it.
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