Does an HSA Count as Insurance for Obamacare?

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are a popular tool for managing healthcare expenses, but do they count as insurance for Obamacare? The short answer is no. While HSAs offer tax advantages and can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses, they are not considered health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.

Here's why:

  • HSAs are a savings account that allows individuals to save money tax-free for eligible medical expenses
  • HSAs are tied to high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), which are insurance plans with lower premiums and higher deductibles
  • HDHPs are considered insurance coverage under the ACA, but the HSA itself is not
  • Individuals with an HSA and HDHP combo can use the HSA funds to pay for out-of-pocket expenses until they meet their deductible

While HSAs can complement HDHPs and help individuals save for medical expenses, they do not replace the need for traditional health insurance. Under Obamacare, individuals are still required to have minimum essential coverage or face a tax penalty.

It's important to understand the distinction between HSAs and health insurance when considering your healthcare coverage options. HSAs can be a valuable tool for saving and paying for medical expenses, but they do not provide the same comprehensive coverage as a traditional health insurance plan.


Many people utilize Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to help manage their healthcare costs, yet a common question arises: do HSAs count as insurance under Obamacare? The answer is no. HSAs are designed to aid individuals in saving money tax-free for eligible medical expenses, but they do not qualify as health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

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