Who can contribute
IRS Publication 969 says you're an eligible individual if:
- You're covered by a high deductible health plan (HDHP) on the first day of the month.
- You have no other health coverage except what the rules allow.
- You aren't enrolled in Medicare.
- No one can claim you as a dependent.
Eligibility is checked month by month. Contribute only for months you qualify.
2026 limits
| 2026 | Self-only | Family |
|---|---|---|
| HSA contribution limit | $4,400 | $8,750 |
| HDHP minimum deductible | $1,700 | $3,400 |
| HDHP out-of-pocket maximum | $8,500 | $17,000 |
Which Marketplace plans work
HealthCare.gov says all Bronze and Catastrophic plans work with Health Savings Accounts, and some plans in other categories do too. When you preview plans, filter for "Eligible for an HSA" and confirm with the insurer.
Why it helps when you work for yourself
- Eligible contributions are deductible even if you don't itemize.
- Money rolls over year to year and stays with you when clients or work change.
- Withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free. IRS Publication 502 lists what counts; vitamins for general health generally don't.
HSA funds generally can't pay insurance premiums. The exceptions include COBRA, coverage while on unemployment, qualified long-term care insurance and, at 65 or older, Medicare premiums other than Medigap.
Gabriel and your HSA
The clinical portion of a Gabriel membership may be HSA/FSA eligible (Core: $39 of the $49; Plus: $69 of the $89; Emerald $99, Sapphire $159, Onyx $299). The wellness and concierge portion is not. Gabriel can provide an itemized statement. Check with your plan administrator or a tax advisor before you pay with HSA funds.
Paying for care with HSA money is different from being allowed to put money into an HSA. Since January 2026, IRS rules (Notice 2026-5) let some direct primary care arrangements sit alongside an HSA: ones that provide only primary care for a fixed fee of up to $150 a month for one person. A membership with other benefits, such as member pricing or urgent care at outside clinics, may not fit those rules and could affect whether you can keep contributing. Ask a tax advisor before you contribute to an HSA while you're a member.
Gabriel membership does not make you HSA-eligible. Your health plan and other coverage decide that. Gabriel is a membership, not health insurance, and Gabriel is not an insurer. It does not replace an ACA plan's protection against large medical bills.
Common questions
Can I open an HSA without an employer?
Yes. No IRS permission is needed. You open one with a qualified trustee such as a bank or insurance company, and it doesn't have to be the company that sells your health plan.
What is the 2026 HSA contribution limit?
$4,400 for self-only coverage and $8,750 for family coverage, plus a $1,000 catch-up at 55 or older.
Do Bronze plans qualify for an HSA?
HealthCare.gov says all Bronze and Catastrophic Marketplace plans work with HSAs. Confirm the specific plan with the insurer.
Can I pay health insurance premiums from my HSA?
Generally no. The IRS allows limited exceptions such as COBRA, coverage while receiving unemployment, qualified long-term care and, at 65 or older, Medicare premiums except Medigap.
Can I use HSA money for a Gabriel membership?
The clinical portion may be HSA/FSA eligible, and Gabriel can provide an itemized statement. Being a member could affect whether you can keep contributing to an HSA, so check with a tax advisor before you contribute.
Sources
- Publication 969: Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans IRS
- High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) HealthCare.gov
- Health plan categories: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum HealthCare.gov
- Publication 502: Medical and Dental Expenses IRS
- Notice 2026-5: direct primary care service arrangements and HSAs Internal Revenue Service
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It does not replace a visit with a licensed clinician. Gabriel membership is not health insurance.