HSA-Eligible Plans in Arizona: Who Should Use One & How to Maximize It
For some people who want to maximize their healthcare savings, it makes the most sense to pair a high deductible health plan (HDHP) with a health savings account (HSA). HDHPs are sometimes called HSA-eligible plans, because unlike higher-cost low deductible health plans, HDHP holders can use an HSA to save for healthcare expenses, tax-free.
HSA-eligible plans may make sense for both employers and individuals and families who need health insurance. In this post, learn what HSA plans Arizona are available, including both Affordable Care Act (ACA) federal marketplace HSA-eligible plans and private HSA insurance Arizona.
Key Takeaways
- An HSA-eligible plan is a high deductible health plan (HDHP) that can pair with a health savings account (HSA). HSA participants and, potentially, their employers, can contribute to an HSA tax-free, to accumulate savings for the plan holder to pay for medical costs tax-free.
- Not all HDHPs are HSA-eligible. To find an HDHP plan that works with an HSA in Arizona, you’ll want to search for an HDHP plan that states “HSA” in the plan title to ensure it’s HSA-eligible.
- Other requirements for HSA eligibility include: an individual must be younger than the age of 65 years old and must not be claimed as a dependent on another health insurance plan.
First: What Is an HSA-Eligible Plan?
In order for a health insurance plan to be considered HSA-eligible, it must meet rules set forth by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The HDHP must both:
- Set a minimum deductible for what the plan holder pays for healthcare services and items each year before the HDHP starts to pay out
- Designate a limit, or maximum, for out-of-pocket expenses an individual and family would pay per year on additional healthcare services and items
In addition to using an HDHP, someone on an HSA-eligible plan may open an HSA. This savings account lets the individual (and potentially an employer, if the plan is through work) set aside money on a pre-tax basis for qualified medical costs.
Who Should Use an HSA-Eligible Plan?
Using an HSA-eligible plan may make sense in a variety of situations. These include:
- You don’t currently require a lot of healthcare services and items, and you don’t anticipate that you will in the future.
- You’re good at saving, so you can build up savings in an HSA, and then benefit from tax-free contributions and withdrawals when needed.
- You think you could benefit from a lower monthly premium and by rolling over an unused HSA balance year after year.
If you are someone who currently requires a lot of medical care, or you anticipate you might have a lot of future medical bills due to age or health conditions, the stability of a traditional health insurance plan with a lower deductible may make more sense. While HDHP plans do provide the benefit of lower monthly premiums and the potential to accumulate savings in an HSA, unexpected medical costs on an HSA-eligible plan could mean higher out-of-pocket expenses until your deductible and out of pocket maximum has been met.
But, if you’ve been consistently relatively healthy, and you can commit to saving in an HSA, you could lower your health plan costs overall with an HSA-eligible plan.
Real Arizona HSA Plan Examples
At AZ Health Insurance Brokers, we help clients in very different situations find the right HSA-eligible plan. Here are a few examples:
Case Study 1: A 35-year-old with a pre-existing condition wanted an HSA-eligible plan so he could max out contributions and take advantage of the tax deductions. Ambetter ended up being the best fit since his doctors were in-network and the plan supported his ongoing health needs.
Case Study 2: A healthy family of high-income earners wanted to keep premiums down while still having a strong national network. For them, a private UnitedHealthcare (UHC) HSA-eligible PPO plan made the most sense — it gave them the balance of cost and flexibility they were looking for.
Case Study 3: Another client saw a naturopathic doctor regularly and knew insurance wouldn’t cover many of those expenses. We recommended a high deductible health plan (HDHP) paired with an HSA, so they could use pre-tax dollars to cover their naturopathic care and supplements.
These examples show there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right plan depends on your health, income, and how you actually use care. That’s where having a broker run the comparisons can save you time, money, and stress.
Pros & Cons of HSA Plans
If you’re considering using an HSA plan, consider these pros and cons to help you decide.
Pros of HSA Plans
- Triple tax advantage: Contributions to, investment growth of HSA funds and withdrawal of HSA funds for qualified expenses are all tax-free.
- Lower monthly premiums: HDHPs typically cost less in monthly premiums compared to traditional low-deductible health insurance plans.
- Long-term savings: You can potentially grow long-term savings, since unused HSA funds roll over year to year and never expire.
- Flexibility: HSA funds can cover medical, dental, vision and even certain Medicare expenses in retirement.
- Portability: Your HSA stays with you, even if you change jobs or health plans.
Cons of HSA Plans
- High up-front costs: Deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums with HSA-eligible plans are higher than traditional health insurance plans.
- Not ideal if you need frequent care: Families or individuals with ongoing health issues may pay more out-of-pocket compared to traditional health insurance plans.
- Contribution limits: The IRS places a limit on how much you can contribute to an HSA annually.
- Requires discipline: In order to realize the financial benefits, you need to actively save into the HSA account.
Arizona HSA-Eligible Carriers
If you work in Arizona, your employer may offer group health insurance that’s HSA-eligible. Individuals and families also have more options for health insurance, even when their employer offers it. The following are HSA-eligible plans that self-employed individuals, and families and individuals who want a different choice outside their work plan, can consider.
Ambetter
Ambetter is one of the most popular Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans for individuals and families, making it one of the best HSA plans for self-employed AZ professionals.
Ambetter is contracted with Arizona healthcare providers such as Banner Health and HonorHealth. That gives its HSA-eligible plan holders more provider coverage. You also get Arizona YMCA membership with Ambetter plans, and you can earn up to $500 to be used towards your deductible through the Ambetter My Health Pays® rewardsprogram.
Open enrollment for Ambetter on the ACA Marketplace is between November 1 and January 15 every year. If you qualify for a special enrollment period, due to an event such as pregnancy or moving, you may be able to enroll at a different time.
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) also offers several HSA-eligible plans. These include:
- BCBS HMO on the ACA Marketplace: This health maintenance organization (HMO) plan limits plan holders to in-network providers for coverage, but it also costs less compared to preferred provider organization (PPO) plans. The BCBS Portfolio HSA HMO Bronze plan has a deductible of $7,050 and an out-of-pocket maximum of $7,050.
- BCBS PPO on the ACA Marketplace: This ACA Marketplace PPO plan gives plan holders more provider choice. The BCBS PPO Gold plan has a deductible of $2,500 and an out-of-pocket maximum of $4,500. December 31, 2025 is the last day this plan will be available.
- BCBS private PPO: You can also get an HSA-eligible BCBS PPO health insurance plan through a private insurance broker. With a private plan it is predicated on being relatively healthy.
BCBS is a popular health insurer in Arizona, because it’s the only carrier to offer plans in all 15 Arizona counties. The variety of options could be appealing when you’re looking for an Arizona HSA-eligible plan.
Banner|Aetna
Available through the end of 2025, Banner|Aetna offers ACA Marketplace HSA-eligible health insurance. If you currently have a Banner|Aetna plan in AZ or get one in 2025, you’ll need to migrate to a different carrier beginning in 2026. You can do this through a private health insurance broker, or by looking for another plan during ACA open enrollment.
Banner|Aetna’s Bronze 2 HSA plan has a current in-network deductible of $5,695 for an individual and $11,390 for a family. The out-of-pocket limit is $7,495 for an individual and $14,990 for a family.
Cigna
Cigna is one of the most popular insurance companies in Arizona, and it has private plans that are HSA-eligible. You don’t need a referral to see a specialist on Cigna’s PPO plans. Their healthcare partners include Dignity Health, HonorHealth, Labcorp, Sonora Quest Laboratories, Barrow Neurological Institute, Evernorth and KPC Promise Hospital of Phoenix.
Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS) is a health insurance plan that provides members access to nationwide healthcare providers and hospitals, such as Abrazo Health in AZ, at pre-negotiated rates. Some plans offered through PHCS are HSA-eligible. PHCS will rent their network, it’s important to talk with a broker to make sure you understand the plan you're signing up for with PHCS.
UnitedHealthcare (UHC)
UnitedHealthcare (UHC) is also a popular Arizona choice for HSA-eligible PPO plans through private insurance. The UHC Choice Plus PPO sets a deductible of $3,750 for an individual and $5,000 for a family. The out-of-pocket limit is $5,750 for an individual and $7,000 for a family.
Keep in mind that in order to get coverage under any of the private HSA-eligible plans listed above, applicants must usually meet general health requirements. Talk with a private insurance broker for a free private health insurance consultation.
Arizona HSA Eligible Plan Comparison
| Carrier | Plan Type | Deductable (Individual) | Out-of-Pocket Max (Individual) | Network Highlights | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ambetter | Bronze HSA (ACA) | $6,900 | $9.100 | Banner, HonorHealth | Maricopa, Pima & others |
| BCBS HMO | Bronze HSA (ACA) | $7,050 | $7,050 | All AZ counties | All 15 counties |
| BCBS PPO | Gold PPO HSA (ACA) | $2,500 | $4,500 | Statewide PPO | Ending 12/31/25 |
| BCBS Private PPO | Private | $5,000 | $6,550 | Statewide PPO | Available privately |
| Banner Aetna | Bronze HSA (ACA) | Bronze 2 HSA (ACA) | $5,695 | $7,495 | Banner Network |
| Cigna | Private PPO HSA | Varies | Varies | Nationwide PPO | Private only |
| PHCS | Private PPO HSA | Varies | Varies | Nationwide PPO | Private only |
| UHC | Private PPO HSA | $3,750 /$5K | $5,750/ $7K | Choice Plus PPO | Private only |
Private vs. ACA Marketplace HSA Options in Arizona
When you’re choosing an HSA-eligible plan in Arizona, you’ll often compare ACA Marketplace options with private plans. Some of the differences include:
| ACA Marketplace HSA plans | Private HSA plans |
|---|---|
| Available during annual open enrollment (November 1 through January 15) or during special enrollment events for those who qualify | Private HSA plans |
| Premiums may be subsidized when you qualify for tax credits | Available year-round through brokers |
| Networks may be narrower on health maintenance organization (HMO) or exclusive provider organization (EPO) plans | No subsidies available, but plans can be more competitive for healthy individuals or families |
| Guaranteed applicant acceptance, regardless of health history | PPO networks tend to offer broader statewide or national coverage, with better provider flexibility |
Which is best? If you qualify for subsidies, an ACA Marketplace HSA plan will typically save you more money. If you want provider network flexibility, and you’re in good health, a private HSA plan may be the smarter choice.
Looking for an HSA-Eligible Plan? Contact AZ Health Insurance Brokers
Whether you’re interested in an HSA-eligible plan on the ACA Marketplace, or you want to compare your private health insurance HSA-eligible options, AZ Health Insurance Brokers is here to help. We can help you sign up for ACA health insurance for free, or send you customized individualor family private health insurance plan options that fit your budget.
Call us at 602.617.4107, fill out our form online or email info@azhealthinsurancebrokers.com for HSA-eligible health insurance options.
HSA-Eligible Health Plan FAQs
What is an HSA-eligible plan in Arizona?
An Arizona HSA-eligible health insurance plan is a high deductible health plan (HDHP) that can be paired with a health savings account (HSA). With an HSA, both plan holders and their employers (if the HSA is provided by the employer) can contribute, grow and withdraw HSA funds tax-free to pay for qualified medical expenses.
What HSA-eligible plans are available in Arizona?
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Cigna, Ambetter, UnitedHealthcare (UHC) and Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS) offer HSA-eligible plans in Arizona. Some are available through the federal ACA Marketplace, while others are available through private health insurance.
What is the best HSA plan for self-employed AZ professionals?
That will depend on the self-employed professional’s preferred healthcare providers and how much they’re willing to pay toward a deductible and for an out-of-pocket maximum.
What are the benefits of an HSA-eligible plan?
Some of the pros of an HSA-eligible health insurance plan include that the monthly premiums are lower than traditional health insurance plans, and HSA contributions are deposited, grown and withdrawn tax-free. HSA-eligible health plans can be a good choice for individuals and families who are relatively healthy and who don’t anticipate major upcoming healthcare costs.
What are the disadvantages of an HSA-eligible plan?
The cons of HSA-eligible health plans are that the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum amounts are typically much higher compared to traditional healthcare plans. For people who use a lot of healthcare services and items, these plans may cost more than traditional plans.
Nicki Escudero
Freelancer and Author
Nicki Escudero is an experienced journalist and freelance writer with over two decades of experience reporting on health insurance, business, and finance for leading publications, including The Arizona Republic, American Art Collector, Phoenix New Times, Phoenix Magazine, and Scottsdale Modern Luxury. Her expertise includes analyzing complex financial topics and translating them into accessible, informative content for diverse audiences. Nicki is a graduate of Northern Arizona University and currently resides in the Washington, D.C. area.
