For 2026, to be an HSA-eligible High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), the plan must have at LEAST a minimum annual deductible and CANNOT EXCEED a maximum out-of-pocket limit, both set annually by the IRS. Which of the following statements is MOST accurate?

a.The IRS sets MINIMUM deductible amounts and MAXIMUM out-of-pocket limits for HSA-qualifying HDHPs each year separately for self-only and family coverage; the deductible must be at LEAST the minimum, and the out-of-pocket must NOT exceed the maximum (preventive care may be covered without satisfying the deductible)
b.There is a fixed $1,000 deductible minimum and no out-of-pocket cap
c.Only family coverage qualifies for an HSA-eligible HDHP
d.The IRS thresholds for HDHP qualification have not been adjusted in 20 years

Explanation

Under IRC §223 and annual IRS revenue procedures, an HSA-eligible HDHP must satisfy TWO numerical tests, set separately for self-only and family coverage and adjusted annually for inflation: (a) the annual deductible must be at LEAST the IRS minimum (for 2026, in the rough range of $1,700 self-only / $3,400 family — candidates should rely on current Rev. Proc.); and (b) the maximum out-of-pocket limit for in-network care must NOT EXCEED the IRS ceiling (in the rough range of $8,500 self-only / $17,000 family for 2026). Preventive services may be covered before the deductible without disqualifying the plan. Option B fabricates a fixed deductible and removes the cap. Option C is wrong; both self-only and family HDHPs qualify. Option D is wrong; thresholds are inflation-adjusted yearly.

Law Reference: IRC §223 (HSA-eligible HDHP thresholds); 2025-2026 IRS Rev. Proc.

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