New HSA Law Benefits Couples and Unlocks More Opportunities to Self-Direct
A newly passed law is making Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) more powerful than ever, especially for married couples and near-retirees.
On The U.S. Senate passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) with strong bipartisan support. This sweeping legislation includes impactful updates to HSAs which are tax-advantaged accounts that, when self-directed, can be used to invest in a broad range of alternative assets.
At uDirect IRA Services, we’re excited about what these changes mean for individuals looking to take control of their healthcare dollars and grow them through self-direction.
Joint Catch-Up Contributions for Married Couples
For the first time, married couples age 55 or older can both make catch-up contributions into the same HSA account. Previously, the IRS required each spouse to maintain a separate HSA in order to qualify for the extra $1,000 annual contribution each. That meant added administrative burdens and limited flexibility.
Thanks to Section 110209 of the new law, couples can now consolidate contributions into a single HSA, simplifying account management and unlocking more capital for investment.
What Makes an HSA So Valuable?
An HSA offers a triple tax advantage:
- Contributions are tax-deductible (or pre-tax if made through payroll).
- Growth is tax-deferred.
- Withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free.
And here’s the part many people don’t realize: HSAs can be self-directed.
That means instead of keeping your savings in low-yield cash or mutual funds, you can use a self-directed HSA to invest in alternative assets like:
- Real estate
- Private lending
- Trust deeds and notes
- Private equity
- Crowdfunded real estate
- And more
At uDirect IRA Services, we help account holders use self-directed retirement accounts—and now, self-directed HSAs—to grow their savings outside the stock market.
Expanded Eligibility and Contribution Options
The new law also makes more Americans eligible to open and fund an HSA:
- Individuals enrolled in Medicare Part A can now continue contributing to an HSA. This is something that was previously not allowed.
- People with ACA bronze or catastrophic plans now qualify to contribute.
- You can now contribute to an HSA even if your spouse has a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) eliminating a common disqualifier for married individuals.
In addition, the legislation:
- Allows rollovers from FSAs and HRAs into HSAs.
- Permits HSA funds to be used for gym memberships and fitness expenses—$500/year for individuals and $1,000 for families.
- Creates higher contribution limits for lower- and moderate-income earners.
Why Self-Directing Your HSA Matters
If you’re already maxing out your IRA or Solo 401(k), an HSA can be a powerful addition to your self-directed investment strategy. These new rule changes don’t just make HSAs more accessible—they give couples and individuals the ability to consolidate funds and grow their tax-advantaged savings through alternative investments.
With a self-directed HSA through uDirect, you can take advantage of the same investment freedom available in a self-directed IRA, all while preserving the tax benefits that make HSAs unique.
Final Thoughts
This new legislation simplifies HSA use for couples, expands access for millions of Americans, and gives self-directed investors a bigger runway to grow wealth through alternative assets.
If you’d like to learn more about opening a self-directed HSA or how to take advantage of the new contribution rules, contact us at uDirect IRA Services at info@uDirectIRA.com We’re here to help you harness the full potential of your HSA on your terms.
