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California health insurance - Understand health insurance in California - California HSA and HRA health plans

Health Spending Accounts and High Deductible Plans

Covered California Bronze Plans Explained (Standard vs HDHP) - Watch on YouTube

California health insurance ratesThere are several types of health spending accounts that help pay for health care costs with tax free money.

These accounts may be combined with high deductible health plans and are often called Consumer Driven (or Directed) Health Care, because you are managing more of your own health care cost decisions.

There's a trade-off between your out of pocket expenses and premium/tax savings.

We'll look at that in more detail.

You can always run your California HSA (HDHP) quote here:

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High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

An HDHP is California health insurance that has a high deductible.

You must pay this deductible each year, before the plan will start to pay some or all of your health care costs.

Preventative is covered at 100% on all ACA plans including HSA options in-network!

Health Savings Account (HSA)

An HSA is a tax-free savings account.

You can sign up for one if you have a qualified High Deductible Health Plan.

The deductible for these plans must be a certain amount for an individual and for a family.

You can use the money in your HSA to help pay this deductible and eligible out of pocket expenses

You can sign up for an HSA with a bank, credit union, insurance company, and other approved company.

Your employer may also set up a plan.

  • You or your employer may put tax-free money into your HSA.
  • Interest earned on your account is tax-free.
  • Withdrawals for health care costs are tax-free.
  • Unused funds and interest are carried over, without limit, from year to year.

There are many other rules.

We're happy to walk through question on how HSA health plans work.

A Medical Savings Accounts (MSA) is an old kind of HSA.

If you have a MSA, you can keep it or move your money into a HSA.

Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)

These are tax-free accounts to pay health care costs.

They are not insurance.

An employer can set one up and put tax-free money into the account.

You can use the money in the account to pay your deductible and co-pays.

You can access the online application for HSA health plans here:

How to apply for California obamacare

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

These are tax-free accounts to pay health care costs.

They are not insurance.

An employer can set one up. An employee can put tax free money into the account.

You can use the money in the account to pay your deductible, co-pays, and other health care costs that your health plan does not cover.

You can also pay for benefits your health plan does not cover, such as over-the-counter medicines, eyeglasses, or dental care.

Important Pages:

Guide to Covered California Plans

You can run your California HSA Health Plan Quote here to view rates and plans side by side from the major carriers...Free.

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Frequently Asked Questions
▸ What is the difference between an HSA and an HRA?
An HSA (Health Savings Account) is owned by the individual and funded with pre-tax dollars, typically paired with a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). An HRA (Health Reimbursement Account) is employer-funded and owned by the employer, who reimburses employees for qualifying medical expenses.
▸ Can I open an HSA with a Covered California plan?
Only HSA-eligible High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) qualify, and Covered California does offer HDHP Bronze plan options that may be HSA-compatible. To confirm which current plans qualify and whether you can contribute to an HSA, get a Covered California quote or speak with a licensed agent.
▸ What expenses can I pay for with an HSA?
HSA funds can generally be used tax-free for a wide range of IRS-qualified medical expenses, including deductibles, copays, prescriptions, dental, and vision costs. Eligible expense lists can change, so it's worth confirming current IRS guidelines or consulting a tax advisor.
▸ What is a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and how is it different from an HSA?
An FSA is an employer-sponsored account funded with pre-tax dollars for qualified medical expenses, but unlike an HSA, FSA funds are typically 'use it or lose it' each plan year and are not tied to a high-deductible plan requirement. HSAs roll over year to year and are portable if you change jobs.
▸ Can a small business in California offer an HRA to employees?
Yes, California employers can generally offer HRAs as a way to reimburse employees for qualifying medical expenses, though rules around HRA types and contribution limits vary. A licensed agent can help your business explore options - you can start with a small business quote.
The answers above are general information about California health insurance and may change as rates, plans, and rules are updated each year. They are not a substitute for personalized advice. For current, personalized guidance, please contact us, email help@calhealth.net, or call 800-320-6269. Serving California since 1994.
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