Three ways an HSA supports whole health

A health savings account (HSA) often enters the picture when someone has a healthcare expense to pay. But these accounts’ role can extend further: HSAs can help people prepare for costs, understand how their benefits fit together, and build financial resources for future care.

That long-term role is becoming more visible. Devenir reported that HSA assets reached nearly $192 billion across 42.6 million accounts by midyear 2026. And for the first time, invested balances made up more than half of total HSA assets.¹ That shift reflects both market conditions and the growing use of HSAs as long-term savings accounts alongside their role in paying current healthcare costs.

For people who can contribute and leave some funds in the account, an HSA can become one part of a broader financial plan for health.

A health plan can cover a large share of care and still leave people with deductibles, prescriptions, and other out-of-pocket costs. Those expenses can arrive at inconvenient times or be difficult to estimate in advance.

An HSA gives eligible account holders a way to set money aside for qualified medical expenses. Some may use funds as costs arise; others may be able to keep a balance for future needs. The choice depends on a person’s budget, health coverage, and priorities.

The value is in having a resource to draw on when eligible costs come up. Employer contributions can also help establish that cushion. Devenir found that employers provided 23% of all HSA contributions in 2025, with an average employer contribution of $938 among employers making contributions.²

The more people understand how their HSA works, the easier it is to use the account with confidence. They need to know which expenses may qualify, where to check when they’re unsure, and what records to keep.

That’s where clear, consistent benefits information matters. When account guidance is easy to find and understand, people can spend less time sorting out the rules and make better-informed decisions about how to pay for care. HSA distributions generally must be used for qualified medical expenses to receive favorable tax treatment, and eligibility can depend on the expense and the individual’s circumstances.³

An HSA can carry a balance forward from year to year, so people don’t have to spend the full amount by the end of the plan year. That feature can give account holders room to plan for future eligible expenses, depending on their circumstances and ability to save.

Devenir data shows how differently people use their accounts. In the first half of 2026, account holders contributed $35.2 billion and withdrew $23.8 billion. Devenir also reported that investment account holders represented 11% of HSAs but held 59% of total HSA assets, including deposits and investments.⁴ These figures describe a market with a range of needs and behaviors. Many people rely on their balances for current expenses; some have the flexibility to save for later.

That range matters when designing benefits and explaining account features. HSA education should make saving and investing options understandable while recognizing that immediate health costs and household budgets come first for many account holders.

An HSA can support whole health by giving people more ways to prepare for care and manage its financial impact over time. Its usefulness depends on the account itself, the health plan around it, and the quality of information people receive.

Clear eligibility guidance, accessible account tools, and a straightforward explanation of contribution and spending options can help people put the account to work in a way that fits their lives. IRS rules determine which expenses qualify, so account holders should confirm eligibility before using HSA funds and consult a tax professional with questions about their individual situation.

Sources:

¹ 2026 Midyear Devenir HSA Report | ² 2025 Year-End Devenir HSA Report | ³ IRS.gov | ⁴ October 13, 2026 Devenir Press Release