Question 1

Is Lively HSA really free in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for the basic cash account. Lively's 2026 pricing page lists $0 for monthly maintenance, account opening, account closing, and funds transfers. The company markets its HSA as free with no hidden fees for individuals and families. The main fee caveat involves the investment platform, not the core account maintenance. This makes it a strong option for those who want to avoid the monthly fees charged by some other providers.

Question 2

What are the fees for investing with Lively HSA in 2026?

Accepted Answer

If you use Lively's self-directed brokerage option, there is a $24 annual investment access fee. This fee is waived if your cash balance in the HSA is $3,000 or more. Lively states there is no minimum balance required to start investing. For employer-sponsored plans, materials indicate a $2.50 monthly fee to add investments through TD Ameritrade, with no other fees from Lively to employees.

Question 3

What are the 2026 HSA contribution limits according to Lively?

Accepted Answer

Lively's 2026 guide states the IRS limits are $4,400 for self-only HDHP coverage and $8,750 for family coverage. Individuals aged 55 or older can make an additional catch-up contribution of $1,000. It is important to verify these numbers against the official IRS announcement, as one third-party comparison listed different figures ($4,300/$8,550), but Lively consistently cites the higher amounts for 2026.

Question 4

Has HSA eligibility changed for 2026?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a significant policy change takes effect. Lively's 2026 eligibility guide states that starting January 1, 2026, individuals enrolled in Bronze or Catastrophic plans on the ACA marketplace can open and contribute to an HSA. This expands access. The guide also notes that telehealth and direct primary care services are permanently HSA-eligible up to certain thresholds under the 2026 rules.

Question 5

How does Lively's $0 fee compare to other HSA providers in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Lively's 2026 comparison page ranks it among providers with $0 monthly fees, noting competitors often charge monthly or transfer fees. A third-party 2026 analysis confirms Lively and Fidelity both charge $0 on contributions. Some competitors waive fees only if account balances stay above thresholds like $2,500 or $3,000, whereas Lively's basic account fee is $0 regardless of balance.

Question 6

What is the HDHP deductible requirement for an HSA in 2026?

Accepted Answer

To contribute to an HSA, your health plan must be HSA-qualified. For 2026, one review based on Lively's information states the minimum deductible for such a plan is $1,700 for individual coverage and $3,400 for family coverage. Your plan must also meet other IRS requirements on out-of-pocket maximums.

Question 7

Are there any limits to the 'no monthly fee' promise?

Accepted Answer

The $0 monthly fee applies specifically to account maintenance. Other potential fees could include the $24 annual investment fee (waived at $3,000 cash), possible wire transfer fees, or fees charged by the underlying investment broker for specific transactions. Always review the latest fee schedule, but for holding and spending HSA funds, Lively charges no monthly cost.

Question 8

Does Lively HSA charge a monthly fee in 2026?

Accepted Answer

No. The Lively HSA basic account has a $0 monthly maintenance fee in 2026. Their pricing page explicitly lists $0 for monthly maintenance, opening, closing, and transfer fees. This is a core feature of their offering to individuals and families.

Question 9

What is the $24 annual fee for?

Accepted Answer

The $24 annual fee is an investment access fee for using Lively's self-directed brokerage option. It is not a fee for the HSA itself. This fee applies if the cash balance in your HSA is below $3,000. If your cash balance is $3,000 or more, this fee is completely waived for the year.

Question 10

Are there any minimum balance requirements?

Accepted Answer

There is no minimum balance required to open or maintain the basic Lively HSA. There is also no minimum balance required to start investing through their self-directed brokerage. The only balance-related rule is the $3,000 cash threshold for waiving the annual investment fee.

Question 11

How do Lively's fees for employer plans differ?

Accepted Answer

For employer-sponsored plans, Lively provides the basic HSA free to employees. To add the investment feature, employees typically pay $2.50 per month (or $30 annually) through the TD Ameritrade platform. Employers may pay setup or administrative fees, but Lively charges no other fees directly to employees.

Question 12

Does Lively charge for transfers or closures?

Accepted Answer

No. According to their 2026 fee schedule, both account closing and transferring funds out (or in) carry a $0 fee. This is a notable advantage over some providers that charge $25-$50 for outgoing transfers or account closures.

Question 13

What is the 2026 HSA contribution limit for self-only coverage?

Accepted Answer

For 2026, the HSA contribution limit for an individual with self-only HDHP coverage is $4,400. This is an increase from the 2025 limit. Lively's official 2026 materials consistently cite this $4,400 figure for self-only plans.

Question 14

What is the 2026 family HSA contribution limit?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 HSA contribution limit for those with family HDHP coverage is $8,750. This limit applies regardless of how many family members are covered, as long as the plan meets the 'family' definition set by the IRS.

Question 15

How does the age 55+ catch-up contribution work in 2026?

Accepted Answer

If you are 55 or older by the end of 2026, you can contribute an extra $1,000 to your HSA. This is a per-person allowance. If both spouses are 55+ and have separate HSAs, each can contribute their own $1,000 catch-up.

Question 16

What major eligibility change happens on January 1, 2026?

Accepted Answer

A new law takes effect. Starting January 1, 2026, individuals enrolled in Bronze-level or Catastrophic health plans on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace will be allowed to open and contribute to an HSA, provided the plan meets the HDHP deductible requirements.

Question 17

What are the 2027 contribution limits?

Accepted Answer

While focusing on 2026, Lively's forward-looking guide mentions the IRS has projected 2027 limits to be $4,500 for self-only coverage and $9,000 for family coverage. These are estimates and will be confirmed by the IRS later in 2026.

Question 18

Can I invest my Lively HSA funds?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Lively offers a self-directed brokerage option for investing. There is no minimum balance to start investing. You choose your investments from the available options within the brokerage account, which provides access to stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds.

Question 19

How do I avoid the $24 investment fee?

Accepted Answer

You avoid the $24 annual investment access fee by maintaining a cash balance of $3,000 or more in your Lively HSA. The fee is assessed annually if your cash balance is below that threshold on the assessment date. Planning your cash allocation can keep your account fully fee-free.

Question 20

What happens if my cash balance drops below $3,000?

Accepted Answer

If your cash balance falls below $3,000, the $24 annual investment access fee will be charged. The fee is typically deducted from your HSA cash balance. You can avoid it by ensuring your cash portion stays at or above the $3,000 waiver threshold.

Question 21

Is Lively's investment platform good for long-term growth?

Accepted Answer

The self-directed brokerage provides flexibility for long-term investment strategies, similar to a standard brokerage account. This allows you to build a portfolio for future healthcare costs in retirement. The $0 monthly fee on the base account helps more of your money stay invested over time.

Question 22

How do I track eligible expenses for tax purposes?

Accepted Answer

Lively provides tools and an interface to upload receipts and categorize expenses. It is your responsibility to maintain records proving expenses were for qualified medical costs in case of an IRS audit. Download and store digital copies of all receipts linked to HSA withdrawals.

Question 23

What kind of health plan do I need for a Lively HSA in 2026?

Accepted Answer

You need a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) that is HSA-qualified. For 2026, the minimum deductible for such a plan is $1,700 for individual coverage and $3,400 for family coverage. The plan must also have an out-of-pocket maximum that does not exceed IRS limits.

Question 24

Are telehealth visits HSA-eligible in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under the 2026 changes cited by Lively, telehealth and direct primary care services are permanently eligible for HSA reimbursement, even if you have not met your health plan deductible. There may be specific thresholds, so check the latest IRS guidance.

Question 25

Can I use my HSA for dental and vision?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Qualified dental and vision expenses are classic eligible uses for HSA funds. This includes routine checkups, glasses, contact lenses, orthodontia, and dental procedures. These expenses remain eligible under the 2026 rules.

Question 26

What about over-the-counter (OTC) medications?

Accepted Answer

OTC medications and products, like pain relievers, allergy medicine, and menstrual care products, are eligible for purchase with HSA funds without a prescription. This permanent change was made earlier and remains in effect for 2026.

Question 27

I'm self-employed. Can I open a Lively HSA?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you are covered by an HSA-qualified HDHP. Self-employed individuals, including sole proprietors and partners, can open an individual HSA. Your contributions are tax-deductible on your personal tax return, reducing your adjusted gross income.

lively hsa no monthly fee official 2026: Your Questions Answered

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