HSA Contribution Caps, Deductibles For 2009 Announced

In the final year of President Bush's term, the Administration continues to raise the HSA limits and contributions.

The maximum contributions that can be made to health savings accounts will increase next year, the Internal Revenue Service said.

In addition, the minimum deductible imposed on health insurance plans linked to HSAs and the maximum out-of-pocket expenses that employees can be required to pay also will rise, the IRS added.

In 2009, the maximum contribution that can be made to an HSA for employees with single coverage will be $3,000-up from $2,900 in 2008-while the maximum contribution for those with family coverage will rise to $5,950 from $5,800.

In addition, the maximum out-of-pocket expense-including deductibles-that employees with single coverage can be required to pay will rise to $5,800, up from $5,600 in 2008. For those with family coverage, the maximum will rise to $11,600 from $11,200.

The minimum deductible of the health plan to which HSAs must be linked will increase to $1,150 next year for employees with single coverage, up from $1,100; the minimum deductible for those with family coverage will increase to $2,300 from $2,200.

The new limits reflect increases in the cost of living.