How the "One Big Beautiful Bill" impacts you and your health care

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law on July 4, 2025, introducing several updates to benefits that might affect you and your family’s financial planning. Some changes are already in effect, while others will roll out in 2026.

Here’s a look at what’s new and what’s ahead.

If you’re enrolled in a qualifying high-deductible health plan (HDHP), you can continue to receive first-dollar coverage for eligible telehealth services — without needing to meet your deductible first.

This benefit, previously temporary, is now permanently extended and retroactive for all of 2025.

Starting in 2025, up to $5,000 of the adoption credit will be refundable, helping families access more financial support when growing through adoption.

Beginning in 2026, the annual contribution limit for dependent care flexible spending accounts (DCFSA) will increase to:

• $7,500 per household (previously $5,000)
• $3,750 for married individuals filing separately (previously $2,500)

This change helps families better manage childcare costs.

Starting in 2026, the bicycle commuting reimbursement ($20/month tax-free) will be permanently removed.

This change does not affect Optum Financial commuter benefits, which do not support bicycle reimbursements.

Beginning in 2026, certain direct primary care service arrangements will be HSA-eligible:

• Monthly fees up to $150 per individual or $300 per family can be paid with HSA dollars.
• Only primary care services qualify. Services such as procedures requiring general anesthesia, prescription drugs (except vaccines) and certain lab tests are excluded.

Also starting in 2026, all bronze and catastrophic health plans will be treated as high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), making them eligible for health savings accounts (HSAs). This expands access to HSA benefits for more individuals enrolled in these plan types.

As these changes take effect, it’s a good time to check in on your benefits.

• Review your current elections to see how updates like increased contribution limits or expanded coverage may apply to you.
• Connect with your employer to understand how your benefits package may evolve in response to the new law.
• As always, log in to your Optum Financial account to manage your HSA, FSA and other benefit accounts with confidence.