Why You Should Start Thinking About Your HSA Now (Yes, Even in June)

Invest in your health now or pay the price later.

Let’s be real: Most people don’t start thinking about Open Enrollment until it’s right on top of them—usually around October. But by then, they’re overwhelmed, distracted, and rushing to check boxes.

Not you. You’re reading this now, in June, and that already puts you ahead of the game.

As a health and wellness consultant, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful a properly used HSA or FSA can be. I remind my clients every fall to take advantage of these benefits—not just because it helps them afford my services, but because it’s one of the smartest moves they can make for long-term health and financial security.

But this year is different.

There are some big changes coming to HSAs in 2026, and if you wait until fall to start planning, you might miss the opportunity to maximize their value. So let’s talk about what’s happening and how to start preparing now.

First, a Quick HSA Refresher

If you’re not already using a Health Savings Account (HSA), here’s why they matter:

• Tax-free contributions: Lower your taxable income by contributing pre-tax dollars.

• Tax-free growth: Your money grows inside the account, just like a retirement fund.

• Tax-free withdrawals: Use it for qualified medical expenses and pay zero taxes.

That’s a triple tax benefit—and if you contribute through your employer’s payroll deduction, it might even be a quadruple advantage by avoiding payroll (FICA) taxes too.

Plus, HSA balances roll over year to year. It’s not a “use it or lose it” scenario like an FSA. You can build a long-term health fund over time.

What’s Changing in 2026?

The IRS has already confirmed that HSA contribution limits will increase again in 2026:

• $4,400 for self-only coverage (up from $4,300 in 2025)

• $8,750 for family coverage (up from $8,550 in 2025)

• $1,000 catch-up contribution if you’re age 55 or older

This means that by the time Open Enrollment comes around in fall 2025, you’ll be able to allocate even more pre-tax money toward your health and well-being.

But that’s not all…

What If You Could Use Your HSA for Wellness Coaching? 👀

Here’s the exciting part.

There’s current legislation being discussed in Congress that could expand what qualifies as an eligible HSA expense. If passed, this would include fitness and wellness-related services like:

• Structured wellness coaching (like what I offer through Brooktree Consulting)

• Personal training or gym memberships

• Recovery tools and health tech devices

• Preventative therapies like massage, movement, and stress management

While these proposals aren’t final yet, they show a growing recognition that prevention—not just treatment—should be part of our health system. And that’s where my work aligns perfectly.

If these changes go through, working with someone like me might become an HSA-eligible expense in 2026. That’s huge.

What You Should Do Now

Here’s how to get ahead of the curve—before the fall chaos hits:

1. Start researching your HSA eligibility now.
   Check if your current health plan qualifies, and talk to your HR department this summer about your options.

2. See if your employer offers an HSA contribution or match.
   Some employers contribute directly to your HSA or even match a portion of what you contribute—free money that can be used to invest in your health. I have several clients who use their HSA this way to pay for services like mine.

3. Plan ahead for fall Open Enrollment.
   When Open Enrollment rolls around later this year (typically October–December), aim to maximize your HSA contribution based on your 2025 limits—and keep the higher 2026 limits in mind.

4. Think about your long-term wellness goals.
   Are you planning to work with a coach, invest in recovery tools, or finally take control of your health? Now’s the time to budget for it, especially if you’ll be able to use pre-tax dollars to cover those costs in the near future.

Take the Next Step with Brooktree

Getting ahead of Open Enrollment and understanding how to maximize your HSA is more than a smart financial move—it’s a proactive investment in your long-term health.

At Brooktree Consulting, we help you make the most of those investments. Whether it's structuring a plan around your HSA/FSA benefits or creating a wellness strategy that supports your goals now and into 2026, we’re here to guide the process.

Don’t wait for health issues to force you into action. Let’s be intentional—right now.

Schedule your discovery call today and take the first step toward building a plan that works for your body, your lifestyle, and your future.