The IRS released the contribution limits for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for 2027. In the upcoming year, we will see an HSA contribution limit increase to $4,500 for individuals and an increase to $9,000 for a family. The IRS implemented inflation-adjusted parameters for health savings accounts in Revenue Procedure 2026-24.

For 2027, individuals with self-only coverage can contribute up to $4,500 to their HSAs, up from $4,400 in 2026. Individuals enrolled in family coverage can contribute up to $9,000, up from $8,750 in 2026. The IRS also noted that the 2027 catch-up contribution for those aged 55 and older will remain $1,000, unchanged from 2026.

Health Savings Accounts remain a valuable tool for individuals and families enrolled in qualified high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). HSAs offer tax advantages, allow unused funds to roll over from year to year, and can serve as a long-term savings vehicle for future healthcare needs.

Read more

Via an Interview with Ron Lang (CEO of CalCPA Health), By Phil Calhoun (CEO of California Broker Media)

CalCPA Health Coverage Options: A Deep Dive into Plan Variety and HSA Leadership (Part 2 of 3)

In the second installment of our in-depth look at CalCPA Health, CEO Ron Lang discusses the breadth of coverage options available to California’s CPA and financial professional firms. This part of the interview explores the organization’s philosophy on plan design, its industry-leading approach to Health Savings Account (HSA) plans, and how CalCPA Health’s flexibility and integration set the plans and support as a leader in the competitive group health market for many businesses in the financial services industries.

A Broad Spectrum of Plans: Choice and Customization

CalCPA Health offers an exceptionally wide range of medical plans with about 40 in total. The plans span from Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs), Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), and an extensive suite of HSA-eligible high-deductible health plans. This variety is designed intentionally to meet the diverse needs of small and mid-sized firms that often have employees with different healthcare preferences and financial situations.

While some national insurers may abruptly cancel plans and move members to new options, CalCPA Health takes a more measured approach. The organization is mindful about removing plans from the market and prefers to maintain continuity for its members, even as it regularly reviews and refines its offerings to avoid overwhelming employers and employees with too many choices.

HSA Plans: A Core Strength and Differentiator

One of the standout features of CalCPA Health is its strong emphasis on HSA-eligible plans. Roughly half of CalCPA Health’s insured population is enrolled in an HSA plan, a figure far above the national average of approximately 24 percent (and even higher compared to California’s average). This is no accident; as Lang explains, the CPA and financial professional audience is uniquely positioned to appreciate the tax advantages and long-term savings potential of HSAs.

Why HSAs Are So Popular with CalCPA Health Members

  • Tax and Savings Benefits: HSAs allow for pre-tax contributions, tax-free investment growth and tax-free distributions to cover qualified medical expenses. Unused funds roll over year-to-year, accumulating for future healthcare needs.
  • Financial Literacy: CalCPA Health’s clients, primarily CPAs and financial professionals, tend to understand and value these benefits, making them more likely to enroll and actively use HSAs as part of their overall financial planning.
  • Talent Attraction and Retention: Many firms use HSA plans as a recruitment and retention tool, offering employer contributions to HSAs outside of 401(k) plans and without running afoul of discrimination rules. This flexibility is highly valued by both owners and employees.

A Wide Range of HSA Plan Designs

CalCPA Health offers the largest selection of HSA-eligible plans in the state, starting at the federal minimum deductible and increasing in increments as high as $6,500. This allows firms and employees to select plans that match their risk tolerance and financial goals. Many members start with lower deductibles as they build up their HSA balances, then move to higher deductible plans as their comfort with the HSA model grows and balances in the account total more than the plan deductible.

Fully Integrated HSA Administration

CalCPA Health’s HSA plans are fully integrated with HealthEquity, streamlining administration for both employers and employees. Employees can pay providers directly from their HSA, reconcile debit card transactions, and manage their accounts online. Employers benefit from simplified processes for adding new hires, changing contribution amounts, or deleting HSA contributions, which reduce administrative burdens.

Other Plan Types: PPOs, EPOs, and HMOs

In addition to high-deductible PPO plans which are HSA eligible, CalCPA Health provides a full suite of traditional PPO plans, which offer flexibility to see any provider but with cost savings for using in-network doctors and hospitals. EPO plans are also available, providing in-network-only coverage without the requirement for primary care physician referrals, which isa popular choice for firms that want simplicity without the restrictions of an HMO.

For those who prefer the predictability and coordinated care of an HMO, CalCPA Health partners with Anthem Blue Cross to offer HMO and Select HMO plans. These plans require members to choose a primary care physician and obtain referrals for specialty care, but they offer no-claims paperwork for in-network services and comprehensive coverage, including mental health and substance abuse services.

Mix-and-Match Flexibility and Kaiser Integration

One of CalCPA Health’s unique features is its willingness to allow firms to “mix and match” plan types. Employers can offer any combination of copay, HSA, and Anthem Blue Cross HMO plans, tailoring benefits to the needs of their workforce. Furthermore, CalCPA Health will write plans alongside Kaiser Permanente, accommodating employees who prefer to stay with Kaiser without imposing participation requirements, as long as adverse selection is avoided. This flexibility is rare among group health providers and demonstrates CalCPA Health’s commitment to meeting member needs.

Network Strength and Member Experience

All CalCPA Health plans leverage the Anthem Blue Cross provider network—the largest in California—ensuring broad access to doctors, specialists, and hospitals. Members also benefit from value-added services like LiveHealth Online, which provides telemedicine and online mental health visits, and a single point of administration for medical, dental, vision, life, and disability plans.

Conclusion

CalCPA Health’s approach to plan design is rooted in flexibility, member education, and a deep understanding of its professional audience. By offering a broad spectrum of PPO, EPO, HMO, and especially HSA-eligible plans, with fully integrated administration and unmatched customization, CalCPA Health empowers CPA and financial services firms to provide high-quality, cost-effective benefits that attract and retain top talent. In the final part of this series, we’ll examine the value-added services, wellness programs, and future trends shaping CalCPA Health’s ongoing evolution.

https://calcpahealth.com/about-group-insurance-trust-calcpa-health/

https://calcpahealth.com/shop-for-a-plan/medical-plans/

https://calcpahealth.com/pdf/Plan_Brochure/2025_CalCPA_Health_Plan_Brochure.pdf

Part 3 Coming Next Month

CalCPA Health Coverage Options: A Deep Dive into Plan Variety and HSA Leadership (Part 2 of 3)

Via Interview with Ron Lang By Phil Calhoun

https://issuu.com/articles/112224906

When you’re sick or injured, knowing where to go for care isn’t always easy — especially when you’re in discomfort and distracted. Knowing how to choose where to go for the right care can save you time, money, and stress.

At CalCPA Health, we believe education is one of the best tools you can use to take charge of your health. Here’s a guide to help you decide when to visit your primary care doctor, head to urgent care, or go to the emergency room, as well as what each might cost under most health plans.

Your Doctor (Primary Care Physician)

Best for: Routine care, chronic conditions, preventive visits, and minor issues during business hours.

Your doctor knows your medical history and can treat you more personally than in other care settings. For non-emergency symptoms like a mild rash, cough, cold, or stomach bug, this is often the best first stop if you can get an appointment. Primary Care Physicians are usually available during normal business hours and may also provide medical advice by phone after hours or even email you.

Typical cost with insurance:
Usually, it is a $$ copay, depending on your plan. *

Virtual Care (Telehealth)

Best for: Cold/flu symptoms, rashes, UTIs, minor infections, allergies, or when you need care quickly but it’s not an emergency.

Telehealth is available 24/7 with Anthem’s Sydney Health app (available to CalCPA Health members) or other virtual platforms. You can see a doctor at your convenience without leaving your home. It’s usually faster and lower cost than in-person visits.

Typical cost:
Often $ copay — check your plan summary for details. *

Retail Clinics (Walk-In)

Best for: Sore throats, earaches, pink eye, minor cuts or burns.

Located in places like CVS or Walgreens, these clinics are staffed by nurse practitioners or physician assistants and are great for quick, simple care when your doctor’s office is closed. This option is usually at a lower cost and wait time than urgent care but may have limited scope.

Typical cost:
Around $$ if self-pay, or your copay if using insurance.*

Urgent Care

Best for: Sprains, strains, minor broken bones, infections, moderate flu symptoms, or nausea that’s not life-threatening.

Urgent care is typically open daily, nights, and weekends, with access to lab tests, X-rays, and treatments not usually available at retail clinics. It’s a good choice when you need attention right away, but it’s not a 911-level emergency. Urgent care visits tend to be faster and more affordable than a visit to the ER.

Typical cost with insurance:
The copay is often $$$, depending on plan and services rendered. *

Emergency Room (ER)

Best for: Serious or life-threatening situations such as chest pain, breathing difficulties, heavy bleeding, signs of stroke, or major trauma.

Emergency Room visits should be reserved for true emergencies and will cost significantly more. They also often involve longer waiting times unless your condition is severe.

Typical cost with insurance: $$$$
ER visits can result in copays plus coinsurance (often a percentage of total charges), unless you’re admitted to the hospital for inpatient care, in which case the ER copay may be waived. *

Things to keep in mind
  • Use virtual care because it is fast, affordable, and covered under most CalCPA Health plans as well as under other carriers.
  • If it’s not urgent and it’s during business hours, check in with your doctor.
  • Going to the ER for non-emergencies leads to higher costs and delays, care for those who have true emergencies.
  • Understand your provider’s Summary of Benefits and Coverage to know your exact copays and coverage rules. (Summary of Benefits and Coverage for CalCPA Health medical subscribers)
  • Be prepared and locate the nearest urgent care or 24/7 virtual care option now before you need it, and make sure that you share the information with your family so that they are ready for different medical situations that may arise.
  • Keep your medical card handy, preferably via a mobile app. CalCPA Health medical members should download the Sydney App if they haven’t done so already.
  • Use the “Find Care” tool to locate in-network providers.
CalCPA Health members have access to:
  • The largest PPO provider network in California through Anthem Blue Cross
  • 24/7 virtual care options
  • One point of contact through our customer support team (Banyan Administrators) to help you with benefits, claims, or locating care

If you’re unsure where to go, call the customer support number on your ID card — they can guide you to the right care setting.

* If you are on an HSA-compatible HDHP, you might have to satisfy your Calendar Year Deductible before the Copay amount applies.

 

Via an Interview with Ron Lang, By Phil Calhoun

As CalCPA Health celebrates its 66th anniversary, its story stands as a testament to the power of community-driven solutions in the often-turbulent world of health insurance. In this first installment of a three-part series, California Broker Media CEO Phil Calhoun sat down with Ron Lang, CEO of CalCPA Health, to explore the unique structure, mission, and value CalCPA Health brings to California’s financial professionals. This article also incorporates insights from industry sources and regulatory data to provide a broader context.

A Unique Legacy Born From Necessity

CalCPA Health was founded in 1959 by the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA) to address a persistent problem: small employers, especially in financial services, had difficulty obtaining and maintaining health insurance. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses have historically faced higher premiums and fewer choices than larger employers, due in part to limited bargaining power and risk pools (SBA, 2023). Ron Lang, who has led CalCPA Health for 13 years, explained, “Not very many businesses make it 66 years, especially in the health insurance business where we’ve had the government trying to put us out of business for the last years.

So, it’s quite an accomplishment.” The organization’s model was to pool together small firms—often with fewer than 100 employees, and sometimes just three or four partners and staff—to create the critical mass needed for large employer-style benefits and rate stability. Lang emphasized, “The whole idea behind CalCPA Health was to bring together a large volume of these smaller firms, to create critical mass to be able to provide them with large employer-style benefits and spread that risk out to provide rate stability and a really large group product to these small employers. And it’s worked for decades, obviously, we’re still around.”

Not-for-Profit and Standalone: A Different Kind of Carrier

Unlike many association health plans, CalCPA Health is a licensed, admitted, not-for-profit insurance carrier domiciled in California. This distinction is significant. While association health plans have drawn scrutiny from regulators for sometimes lacking transparency or sufficient consumer protections (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2022), CalCPA Health operates under strict state oversight. Lang clarified, “We are an insurance carrier. We’re domiciled in the state of California, we’re licensed, we’re an admitted carrier. Although we are married to the CalCPA, the society, we are a standalone entity. We’re a not-for-profit. So, our loss ratios and things are much better than what the national commercial insurance companies put out there.” This not-for-profit status allows CalCPA Health to focus on long-term rate stability and value-added services, rather than maximizing shareholder returns. “We’ve been able to offer long-term rate stability, products that are tailored to the industry, and a lot of additional value adds—what we call non-premium value adds—to the mix. We give a good value proposition to these employers,” Lang said.

Leveraging Anthem’s Network for Nationwide Access

A key feature of CalCPA Health’s offering is its partnership with Anthem, one of the largest provider networks in the country. According to the California Department of Managed Health Care, broad network access is a top priority for employers and employees alike (DMHC, 2024).

Lang explained, “We rent Anthem’s large group provider network, and there’s a couple reasons for that. One is that we wanted to give the best access to our members to providers in the state of California and nationally, because a lot of firms are domiciled here but have employees scattered around the country. That provides us with that national network.” He added that this arrangement also streamlines the member experience: “When they walk in with our logo and the Anthem logo on that card, the doctor immediately knows how to get access to the benefits and if there’s authorizations or deductibles. That’s all immediately accessible to the docs because we’ve partnered with Anthem.” This partnership has been in place since at least the late 1960s, giving CalCPA Health members reliable access to care for decades.

Plan Design and Transparent Underwriting

CalCPA Health designs and rates its plans internally, using in-house actuaries and external consultants. This is a departure from many association plans, which often rely on external carriers for plan design and pricing. “We design and rate the plans from scratch ourselves. We have in-house actuaries and then we have an actuarial consulting firm to sign off on things. So, we create the plans, design the benefits, and then we do the ratings on all of our plans,” Lang said. Membership eligibility is broad, encompassing not only CPAs but also a range of financial professionals, including wealth managers and insurance agencies. For partnerships and S-corps, at least half the ownership must be CalCPA members; for publicly traded companies, the executive teams qualify.

“Our data has shown that people tend to go to the doctor around their home rather than necessarily their place of work”.

On the underwriting side, CalCPA Health has always been 100 percent community rated, even before the Affordable Care Act (ACA) required it. Community rating, as defined by the ACA, means that premiums are not based on an individual group’s health status but rather on broader risk pools, promoting fairness and stability (Healthcare.gov, 2024). Lang noted, “Whether it’s a large group or small group, we community rate across the entire book of business and we’ve always had to file all of our rates with the Department of Insurance. It’s all very transparent as far as what our rates are.”

CalCPA Health also rates employees based on their home zip code, which often results in more competitive rates. “Our data has shown that people tend to go to the doctor around their home rather than necessarily their place of work. By rating at the employee zip code, we’re segmenting better and it tends to make us a little bit more competitive,” Lang shared.

Rate Stability: A Key Value

CalCPA Health’s record of rate stability is especially important for small businesses. According to a 2023 survey by the National Federation of Independent Business, unpredictable health insurance costs remain a top concern for small employers. Lang explained, “The last time we were in double digits was coming out of the Affordable Care Act when we had total chaos. Over the last eight or nine years, if you add up each of the increases, we come out below four percent over that period of time.”

He continued, “If you’re running a business, particularly a small business, and you get hit with a 15 or 20 percent rate increase, I’m just not sure how you run your business while you’re doing that. For most of these financial services and CPA firms, their health plan costs are usually higher than IT, higher than rent. The only cost that’s more than that is salaries. So, it’s a big number.”

Looking Ahead

As CalCPA Health continues its mission, its not-for-profit model, transparent practices, and commitment to member value remain its guiding principles. In the next installment of this three-part series, Ron Lang will discuss the evolving challenges facing California’s financial professionals and how CalCPA Health is adapting to meet those needs in a changing healthcare environment.

Part 2 Coming Next Month

CalCPA Health: 66 Years of Service & Stability for California’s Financial Professionals

Via Interview with Ron Lang By Phil Calhoun

https://issuu.com/articles/105432896

Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB), passed on July 4, 2025, initially promised significant changes to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). However, the final version of the legislation contained modest updates to HSA policy. Current HSA holders get to keep what they have, but significant reforms such as extending eligibility to those on Medicare or relaxing contribution restrictions, were abandoned in negotiations. Instead, the bill primarily focuses on restructuring Medicaid and welfare programs, implementing work mandates, and providing tax credits tied to families and newborn savings accounts.

Health Saving Accounts were thought to have a larger presence in the bill that would have placed HSAs as a centerpiece of healthcare funding and provided areas for growth by softening regulations of who can contribute, such as those on Medicare Part A.  Without eligibility expansion, HSAs remain mostly unchanged, and tax-advantaged growth remains limited to current users.

Here’s a breakdown of what changes OBBB brings to HSA plans:

  • If you are enrolled in a Bronze or Catastrophic ACA plan, you are now eligible to contribute to HSAs starting January 1, 2026.
  • HSA funds can be used for Direct Primary Care (DPC) arrangements. DPCs typically follow the model of a monthly fee, which covers office visits prior to meeting the HDHP deductible. With OBBB, these monthly fees now fall under qualified HSA expenses if they do not exceed $150/month for an individual or $300/month for families.
  • First-dollar coverage for telehealth services no longer disqualifies HSA status, which allows plans to provide low or no-cost telehealth services before satisfying your deductible if you are enrolled in a qualified HDHP without using your HSA contributions.

HSAs remain a useful tool for eligible taxpayers and serve as a tax-savings vehicle.

Triple Tax Advantage

  • Pre-tax Contributions – Money goes in tax-free, reducing your taxable income
  • Tax-free Growth – Funds grow tax-deferred through interest and/or investments (no capital gains)
  • Tax-Free Withdrawals – As long as funds are used for qualified medical expenses, withdrawals are tax-free

Saving for the Future

  • You can invest your HSA balance (once you hit a threshold set by your carrier, allowing it to grow like a retirement account)
  • Can be used in retirement tax-free for medical expenses, or after age 65, for any reason (income taxes apply only if not used for qualifying healthcare expenses)

HSA funds roll over year-to-year, and don’t have a use-it-or-lose-it rule like Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Additionally, you can use your HSA funds for a wide range of expenses, including copays, prescriptions, dental and vision care, mental health services, and certain over-the-counter items (such as pain relievers, allergy medications, and first-aid supplies). Lastly, you OWN your HSA – it stays with you if you change jobs or retire. You control how and when it is used, allowing you to learn how they work and ensure you make the most out of the account.

While the “One Big Beautiful Bill” fell short of delivering the HSA expansion many had hoped for, it did make some notable improvements. It’s clear that Health Savings Accounts remain one of the most innovative tools for managing healthcare costs, both now and in the future. In today’s uncertain and costly healthcare environment, understanding and maximizing your HSA is essential.  For those enrolled in an HSA, remember, it isn’t just a spending account — it’s a strategy.

Posted by CalCPA Health | July 2025

 

July is UV Safety Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to remind ourselves how important it is to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Individuals with fair skin can sunburn in as little as 10-15 minutes of midday sun exposure when UV rays are the highest. UV rays are typically high between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and the highest around 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Don’t let a cloudy day fool you because UV rays can be just as intense as on a sunny day.

What Are UV Rays?

Ultraviolet radiation from the sun comes in three forms:

  • UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and are responsible for premature aging, such as wrinkles and age spots, and can contribute to skin cancer.
  • UVB rays are more intense and damage the outer layers of the skin, causing sunburns, and they play a key role in the development of most skin cancers.
  • UVC rays are the most dangerous, but they are absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere and don’t typically pose a threat during everyday sun exposure.

Types of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., but it’s also one of the most preventable. Here are the three main types:

  • Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common and least aggressive type, accounting for approximately 80 percent of all cases*. It often appears as a flesh-colored bump or pink patch of skin and may bleed or form a scab. BCC grows slowly and rarely spreads, but it can cause local tissue damage if untreated.
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Accounts for approximately 20 percent of all skin cancer cases* and tends to occur on areas of the body most exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, and hands. SCC shows up as a scaly red patch, a wart-like growth, or a sore that won’t heal. It can grow deeper and, in some cases, spread to other parts of the body.
  • Melanoma: The most serious form of skin cancer, which accounts for about four percent of skin cancer cases*. Melanoma can develop from an existing mole or appear as a new dark spot. Early detection is critical since melanoma can spread quickly and be life-threatening if not caught early.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Wear sunscreen every day with broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) protection, SPF 30 or higher.
  • Cover up with clothing, hats, and sunglasses that block UV rays.
  • Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.
  • Avoid tanning beds, which emit concentrated UVA and UVB radiation.

Check Your Skin

Examine your skin regularly for changes in moles, new growths, or sores that don’t heal. When in doubt, get it checked out. Annual skin exams with a dermatologist are a smart step in preventing skin issues, and early detection is key. Protecting your skin today is an investment in your health tomorrow. Enjoy the sunshine safely.

* https://skinandcancerinstitute.com/july-is-uv-safety-month/

What is the name of your health plan? Who’s your insurance carrier? If you had to look it up right now to check, you’re not alone; many people are not sure. If you don’t know the basics, you won’t be able to take full advantage of your benefits.

Health insurance is a tool—but only if you know how to use it. You don’t want to be like so many people out there who experience a health emergency and must deal with the stress of not understanding their health care coverage in a time of trauma.

Knowing your health plan matters

Surprise Bills

  • You may get a procedure for which you need pre-authorization, and did not know until you received an unexpected bill. This happens more often than you can imagine.
  • If you don’t know whether your provider is in-network or out-of-network, or how your plan covers care, you are more likely to pay out-of-pocket for services that should have been covered.

Miss Out on Preventive Services

  • Many plans offer 100% coverage for preventive services (such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and annual physicals), virtual visits, and wellness programs. But you can’t use benefits you don’t know you have.

You Can’t Advocate for Yourself Without the Basics

  • Here are just a few of the ways understanding your plan helps you:
    • Ask the right questions and go through the proper channels for care; reach out for help by calling your insurance provider
    • Spot billing errors
    • Take advantage of telehealth, HSA options, or mental health coverage (to name a few)

What You Need to Know – Today

At the very least, every health insurance subscriber should know:

  • Your carrier (the company providing your insurance, such as Anthem, Delta Dental, and VSP)
  • Your plan type (Health Maintenance Organization – HMO, Preferred Provider Organization – PPO, Exclusive Provider Organization – EPO, or Health Savings Account – HSA)
  • Whether your plan is individual, employer-sponsored, or part of an association

How to Find These Items Quickly

  • Check your insurance ID card – it typically lists the plan name and carrier
  • Log in to your carrier’s member portal (the website usually is on the ID card) – this is where you will find your plan documents, benefits, and provider network information
    • Download your carrier’s app and create an account so that you have access to your ID card at all times, as well as to your health and benefit information and plan summary (Summary of Benefits and Coverage – SBC)
  • Ask your HR or firm administrator if you’re part of an employer or association plan

Then, take a few minutes to review your SBC, as it outlines the services that are covered, excluded, and the pre-authorization requirements. It also helps you understand what your plan will cover and what you may need to pay out-of-pocket for. Knowing the basics gives you power as a healthcare consumer and enables you to become your own best advocate.

Please don’t wait for an emergency to try and understand your health plan; familiarizing yourself with it now is a smart way to save time, avoid stress, and ensure you get the most from your benefits.

*********

Created by CalCPA in 1959 as The Group Insurance Trust of the California Society of CPAs, CalCPA Health has remained steadfast in its mission to provide quality “boutique style” health care solutions—from medical, dental and vision to life and long-term disability—with unparalleled convenience and stability. It helps ensure that members can navigate the challenges of health care with confidence and peace of mind. CalCPA Health offers exclusive health and benefit plans to members, and there is a high level of trust knowing that these plans are operated by individuals who understand the unique needs of the profession – CalCPA members.

The IRS recently released the contribution limits for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for 2026. In the upcoming year, we will see an HSA  contribution limit increase to $4,400 for individuals and an increase to $8,750 for a family. The IRS implemented inflation-adjusted parameters for health savings accounts in Revenue Procedure 2025-19.

For 2026, individuals with self-only coverage can contribute up to $4,400 to their HSAs, up from $4,300 in 2025. Family plans can contribute up to $8,750, up from $8,550 in 2025. The IRS also noted that the 2026 catch-up contribution for those aged 55 and older will remain $1,000 for 2026, unchanged from 2025.

According to Fidelity Investments’ 2024 Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate, a single 65-year-old retiring can expect to spend an average of $165,000, or $330,000 per couple, in health care and medical expenses throughout retirement. These figures are up nearly 5% over 2023 and more than doubled from the first estimate in 2002. Understanding how to save and invest with an HSA plan is key to helping you plan for future expected and unexpected medical expenses.

If you are in an HSA and have questions about how to get the most out of the plan, CalCPA Health can help answer your questions. CalCPA Health is at the forefront of HSA adoption, offering the most HSA plan options in California. CalCPA members have a strong understanding of the tax benefits HSAs provide. Education is key, and CalCPA Health is here to help whether or not you are in one of our plans. We are a resource for you, so please feel free to ask questions by emailing info@calcpahealth.com.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and breaking down the stigma that often surrounds mental illness. It’s an opportunity to remind ourselves and others that mental health is as important as physical health. Not paying attention to our mental health can hurt us on so many levels and debilitate our physical health and all other facets of life.

Understanding Mental Health

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act in daily activities. It also influences how we handle stress, relate to others, and influence our choices. Mental health issues can affect anyone, irrespective of age, gender, socioeconomic status, or background.

The Importance of Seeking Help

Often, people hesitate to seek help for mental health issues due to stigma, fear of judgment, or simply not recognizing the signs in themselves. Acknowledging that you might need help is a significant first step. Getting treatment can provide the tools needed to help manage mental health effectively. Utilizing the tools and keeping the conversation open allows you to get the support you need and help the recovery process.

How to Get Help

1. Talk to Someone: Whether it’s a friend, family member, or a professional, sharing how you feel is the starting point.

2. Consult a Professional: A mental health professional can provide a diagnosis and provide a treatment plan that suits your needs.

3. Use Online Resources: Many organizations offer online resources and support groups that can provide guidance and connect you to others facing similar challenges. Please note that CalCPA Health medical subscribers can access LiveHealth Online and visit a therapist or psychologist from anywhere with access to a laptop, tablet, or mobile device and internet connection.

4. Emergency Help: If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, reaching out to emergency services can provide support and intervention right away. For information on emergency services for those in crisis or having suicidal thoughts, call the suicide prevention hotline 988 or visit online for resources or chat function.

Ending the Stigma

Being open about mental health can normalize these conversations and encourage more people to seek help. Sharing personal experiences and supporting those who are dealing with mental health issues are powerful ways to fight the stigma.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s pledge to be open about our mental health, to support others without judgment, and to seek help when needed. Remember, it’s okay not to be okay, and it’s more than okay to ask for help.

The IRS has recently released the contribution limits for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for 2025. In 2024 we saw a significant increase, mainly in response to continued pressures from inflation. In the upcoming year, we will see another adjustment upwards, yet smaller than the 2024 increases.

For 2025, individuals with self-only coverage can contribute up to $4,300 to their HSAs, up from $4,150 in 2024. Family plans can contribute up to $8,550, up from $8,300 in 2024. This change reflects a steady acknowledgment of the need for greater financial flexibility in managing health expenses.

The IRS hasn’t released the 2025 catch-up contribution yet for those age 55 and older. It is currently set at $1,000 for 2024, unchanged from 2023.

According to Fidelity Investments’ 2023 Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate, a 65-year-old retiring this year can expect to spend an average of $157,500, or $315,000 per couple, in health care and medical expenses throughout retirement. Understanding how to save and invest with an HSA plan is key to helping you plan for future expected and unexpected medical expenses.

If you are in an HSA and have questions about how to get the most out of the plan, CalCPA Health can help answer your questions. Approximately 45% of CalCPA Health medical subscribers are enrolled in a Health Savings Account. Education is key and CalCPA Health is here to help – whether you are in one of our HSA plans or not. We are a resource for you – feel free to ask questions by emailing info@calcpahealth.com.