If i'm contributing to an HSA, does that mean I have or have had a HDHP? How do I find out if I do or did?

[matthewchristy60]

I'm on the page that says
"Were you covered by a High Deductible Health Plan in 2017"

To get an HSA, you must have been covered by an HDHP first.

[DanielV01 · Accepted solution]

It depends.  That information is correct.  If you did not have an HDHP, then your contributions to an HSA are not allowed and you are subject to a penalty.  Chances are, however, that you do have and HDHP, particularly if your insurance was set-up through work, and even more so if they made contributions to your HSA or you have a code "W" on one of your box 12 lines on your W-2.

The easiest way to check is to look at your insurance card from last year.  If the description of the plan has either HDHP or HSA on it, then you had an HDHP.  If you are unsure, you may wish to access your insurance paperwork or call your insurance company.

One other caution:  some confuse an HSA (Health Savings Account) with an FSA (Flexible Spending Account).  While the two may seem similar, they are quite different, as this FAQ points out (there is an embedded link that also describes an HSA as well for comparison).  https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3302130