The only triple-tax-advantaged account in existence: deductible going in, tax-free growth, tax-free coming out for medical costs. Here's what maxing it is actually worth.
2026 limits: $4,400 self-only / $8,750 family.
HSA balance (20 yrs)
$358,711
Income tax avoided
$38,500
Edge vs. taxable account
$100,410
Same contributions, same growth — the tax wrapper is the entire difference.
• Minimum deductible: $1,700 self-only / $3,400 family.
• Maximum out-of-pocket: $8,500 self-only / $17,000 family.
• No disqualifying coverage: a general-purpose FSA or being claimed as a dependent kills eligibility.
• The stealth-IRA move: pay medical bills from cash, save the receipts, let the HSA compound for decades, then reimburse yourself tax-free in retirement. There's no deadline on reimbursements.
