The Future of Health Savings Accounts: What Employees Need to Know for 2026
Starting in 2026, you’ll be able to use your Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for a Direct Primary Care (DPC) membership and still contribute to your HSA at the same time. This is one of the biggest changes to HSAs in over a decade. It puts more control, more access, and more savings directly into your hands.
At Hy-Vee Health Exemplar Care, we want you to understand exactly what these changes mean for you. Learn how to make the most of them.
1. DPC Memberships + HSA Contributions: A Perfect Pair
Starting in 2026, you can participate in a Direct Primary Care membership and still contribute to your HSA, as long as the membership fee meets IRS limits. These are $150/month for individuals or $300/month for families. This means:
You can access unlimited primary and urgent care visits, preventive screenings, and same- or next-day appointments through Hy-Vee Health Exemplar Care. No worrying about co-pays or deductibles.
You can use pre-tax HSA dollars to pay for your membership and other eligible medical expenses, giving you flexibility and tax advantages.
According to the IRS, HSA-eligible high-deductible health plans can now include these DPC arrangements. This is valid as long as the monthly fees are within the defined thresholds.
2. DPC + HSA = More Control Over Your Healthcare and Your Budget
Pairing a DPC membership with an HSA gives you powerful advantages:
Lower Costs Today
Primary care and urgent care needs, including preventive care, chronic disease management, and acute visits, are covered by Exemplar Care membership. There are no co-pays, deductibles, or surprise bills.
Tax-Free Savings for Tomorrow
HSA funds roll over every year, grow tax-free, and can even be used in retirement for medical expenses.
Better Access to Care
Because DPC includes same- or next-day primary care appointments and 24/7 access to a provider, you’re not paying out of pocket each time you need care. Exemplar Care membership covers it!
Better Health Outcomes
Research consistently shows that strong primary care relationships lead to improved health outcomes. They also reduce total healthcare costs. According to PubMed Central, consistent access to primary care lowers avoidable ER visits and increases preventive care use.
3. More HSA-Eligible Plans, More Choice
If you have or are considering a Bronze or catastrophic ACA plan, it may now qualify as HSA-eligible. This lets you pair your plan with an HSA and DPC membership, giving more flexibility with your benefits.
4. How to Take Advantage
Check your 2026 plan: Confirm it’s HSA-eligible and see how it pairs with DPC.
Maximize contributions: For 2026, individuals can contribute up to $4,150, and families up to $8,300.
Use your DPC membership strategically: Schedule preventive care and chronic condition management before major issues arise.
Plan for the future: Let your HSA work as a tax-free savings account for medical expenses today and retirement healthcare tomorrow.
Thinking About an HSA for 2026? We’re Here to Help.
If you’re considering opening or contributing to a health savings account in 2026, this is the perfect time to understand how it pairs with a Direct Primary Care membership. With new federal rules allowing you to use HSA funds toward DPC fees, you’ll have more flexibility and control over both your care and your budget.
If you have questions about how HSAs can work alongside an Exemplar Care membership, reach out anytime. We’re here to make this simple. Email us at contact@exemplar.care or call 515-650-4370, and our team will walk you through how to get the most from your benefits.
Part 1: The Future of Health Savings Accounts: What Employers Need to Know for 2026
