The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) contribution limits for health savings accounts (HSAs) will go up next year, according to new projections.
Out-of-pocket maximums for high-deductible health plans are also expected to increase.
The IRS isn’t expected to publish the official 2012 limits until June, but the consultants at Mercer decided to help employers prepare early by releasing their projections now.
Mercer’s projected HSA limits
2012 HSA contribution limits are expected to increase 1.6% for both individual and family coverage:
- Individual = $3,100 (versus $3,050 in 2011)
- Family = $6,250 (versus $6,150 in 2011)
By law, 2012 catch-up contributions must remain at $1,000.
Mercer’s projected HDHP limits
For HDHPs the 2012 out-of-pocket maximums are expected to jump 1.7% for individual and family coverage:
- Individual = $6,050 (versus $5,950 in 2011)
- Family = $12,100 (versus $11,900 in 2011)
Due to rounding rules, the 2012 minimum annual deductible will remain at $1,200.
Stay tuned: We’ll report the IRS limits for 2012 once they are released.
Source: “Mercer Predicts HSA, High-Deductible Plan Limits Will Go Up,” by James Walsh, Workforce Management, 3/10/11.
