assuming you qualify to have an HSA (post back if you are unsure) then it's better to have one than to take an itemized deduction for deductible medical expenses like doctors, hospital, qualified medications and other deductible medical expenses. to get any benefit from medical expenses reported on schedule A they are first reduced by 7.5 % of adjusted gross income and then your total itemized deductions (schedule A) must exceed your standard deduction. an HSA contribution reduces your adjusted gross income. if your itemized deductions exceed $30,000 (mortgage interest, contributions, taxes (as limited) then it's likely there would be no tax benefit to contributing to an HSA.
