2022 health savings account and high-deductible health plan limits announced

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the inflation-adjusted 2022 minimum deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums and contribution limits for health savings accounts (HSAs) and qualified high-deductible health plans (HDHPs).

Self-only coverage refers to plans for one individual, while family coverage refers to plans for two or more individuals. The out-of-pocket maximum includes copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts, and excludes premiums.

These IRS changes are effective on customers’ renewal dates beginning Jan. 1, 2022, or later:  

• Minimum deductible
• $1,400 for self-only coverage (no change from 2021)
• $2,800 for family coverage (no change from 2021)
• $2,800 for embedded individual deductible (no change from 2021)

• Out-of-pocket maximum
• $7,050 for self-only coverage ($50 increase from 2021)
• $14,100 for family coverage ($100 increase from 2021)

• HSA contribution limits
• $3,650 for self-only coverage   
• $7,300 for family coverage
• Individuals 55 and over may contribute an extra $1,000 to their HSA

Be aware of the intersection of HSA and Affordable Care Act (ACA) rules. The 2022 ACA maximum is $8,700 for individual coverage (versus $8,550 in 2021).

Examples of compliant HSA/ACA plans:

• One plan for self-only and family coverage with an embedded out-of-pocket; maximum amounts for 2022 are $7,050 for an individual and $14,100 for a family.
• One plan for self-only and family coverage with a non-embedded out-of-pocket; maximum amounts for 2022 are $7,050 for an individual and $8,700 for a family.

2022 maximum out-of-pocket limits for group plans 
Recent guidance modified the earlier annual out-of-pocket limits for 2022, which is now:

• $8,700 for self-only coverage ($8,550 in 2021)
• $17,400 for family coverage ($17,100 in 2021)

The annual out-of-pocket maximum for group plans does not apply to transitional relief plans or retiree plans. 

For questions, please contact your broker or UnitedHealthcare representative.