Short answer: Yes, you can pair a 2027 MNsure plan with a HELPcare direct primary care membership, and many people use an HSA alongside both. Starting in 2026, federal law treats Bronze and Catastrophic individual-market plans as HSA-compatible, and HELPcare memberships meet the IRS direct primary care rules — so you can keep contributing to an HSA and pay HELPcare dues from your HSA when fees stay at $150 a month or less for one person ($300 for more than one person). Those limits are unchanged for 2027. Your MNsure plan still covers hospital, specialist, emergency and prescription costs. HELPcare is not insurance, doesn't bill insurance, and its dues don't count toward your deductible. MNsure open enrollment for 2027 runs Nov. 1, 2026 to Jan. 15, 2027; enroll by Dec. 15 for Jan. 1 coverage. Ask a tax or benefits advisor to confirm your HSA eligibility.

Last updated: Nov. 3, 2026. Facts checked against IRS and MNsure. General information, not tax advice.

If you buy your own coverage in Mower, Olmsted or Freeborn County — self-employed, farming, early retired, or without an employer plan — 2027 is another year of higher premiums. Bronze plans now work with HSAs, and you can pay HELPcare dues from your HSA under the current rules. The details matter.

This page walks through how the pieces fit, what three Southeast Minnesota households can look like on paper, and the deadlines. Up front: HELPcare membership isn't health insurance and doesn't meet federal requirements to buy insurance. You still need a health plan. HELPcare Clinic is independent and not affiliated with MNsure, Blue Plus or Zion HealthShare.

Want the short version? Request the HSA + HELPcare Starter Guide, call or text (507) 418-8465, or download the MNsure 2027 flyer.

The three pieces, in plain English

Think of it as three tools, each with its own job.

Your MNsure plan: the safety net

Your MNsure plan is your insurance. It pays for the big, unpredictable things: hospital stays, surgery, specialists, the emergency room and prescriptions. Preventive care is covered by the plan, too.

This is the piece you can't skip.

Your HSA: the tax-advantaged wallet

A health savings account (HSA) is an account you own. You contribute pre-tax through payroll, or deduct what you put in when you file. The money can grow, and you spend it on qualified medical expenses.

For 2027, the IRS contribution limits are $4,500 for self-only coverage and $9,000 for family coverage (Rev. Proc. 2026-24, as of Nov. 3, 2026).

To contribute, you need HSA-compatible coverage — usually a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). For 2027 the usual HDHP deductible floor is $1,750 / $3,500 and the out-of-pocket max is $8,700 / $17,400 (Rev. Proc. 2026-24). Bronze and Catastrophic plans now count even if they don't fit those numbers.

HELPcare: your everyday primary care relationship

HELPcare is direct primary care (DPC). Instead of billing insurance visit by visit, we offer membership (or pay-as-you-go prices with PayGo). You get unhurried time with a practitioner who knows you, at prices you can see in advance. We don't bill any insurance — government or commercial. Here's more on what direct primary care is.

What changed for 2026, and still applies in 2027

Two federal changes took effect Jan. 1, 2026, from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21, July 4, 2025). The IRS explained them in news release IR-2025-119 and Notice 2026-05. Both continue for 2027.

Are MNsure Bronze plans HSA-compatible?

Yes. Since Jan. 1, 2026, Bronze and Catastrophic individual-market plans count as HDHPs for HSA purposes, even if they don't meet the usual deductible and out-of-pocket tests — and they don't have to be bought through MNsure or another exchange to count (Notice 2026-05).

Can I have DPC and still contribute to an HSA?

Yes. HELPcare memberships meet the IRS direct primary care rules. Before 2026, a DPC membership could block HSA contributions. Now it doesn't, within limits: total DPC fees can't go over $150 a month for you, or $300 a month if any arrangement covers more than one person. For 2027 the limits stay at $150 and $300 (Rev. Proc. 2026-24, as of Nov. 3, 2026).

What has to be true for a membership to qualify?

Under Notice 2026-05, the arrangement must provide primary care only, from primary care practitioners (family, internal, geriatric or pediatric physicians, NPs, CNSs or PAs), paid only by a fixed periodic fee. It can't include procedures that need general anesthesia, prescription drugs other than vaccines, or lab services not typically done in an ambulatory primary care setting.

HELPcare Basic and Premier adult dues are below the IRS $150 monthly limit. HELPcare memberships meet the IRS direct primary care rules, so you can pay HELPcare dues from your HSA. Confirm your own situation with a tax or benefits advisor.

Can I pay my membership from my HSA?

Yes — pay HELPcare dues from your HSA. IRS guidance allows HSA funds to be used without tax for the periodic fees of a qualifying DPC arrangement. Two exceptions: dues over the limit, and dues your employer pays.

What if dues go over the limit?

The $150/$300 limit decides whether you can contribute to an HSA. It doesn't cap what you can reimburse. Per Notice 2026-05 (Q-20), fees above the limit can still be paid from your HSA — but while you're enrolled, you can't make new HSA contributions.

Can I pay a year of dues at once?

Yes. The IRS allows billing for up to a year if the fee is fixed, periodic, and within the monthly limit annualized (Notice 2026-05, Q-13; 2026 example: $1,800/year for one person). That matters because we offer 12 months for the price of 11 on Basic and Premier.

What changed for tax credits in 2027

The enhanced premium tax credits that softened marketplace bills the last few years expired after 2025. For 2027 the original Affordable Care Act rules are back — including the 400% federal poverty level cliff. Households above that line get $0 in advance premium tax credits (MPR News, Sept. 30, 2026; MNsure 2027 plan scenarios). Between 300% and 400% of poverty, the expected contribution is 10.22% of household income (IRS Rev. Proc. 2026-26). After the enhanced credits expired, MNsure enrollment fell by more than 17,000 (May 2026 vs. May 2025) (MPR News).

Catastrophic plans on MNsure for 2027: who can buy one?

Catastrophic plans are back on MNsure for 2027, but only from a limited number of carriers (MNsure, Oct. 2, 2026). Check the MNsure plan finder for your county. You can buy one if you're under 30, or 30+ with a hardship or affordability exemption from HealthCare.gov (an Exemption Certificate Number — MNsure doesn't issue exemptions). Catastrophic plans cover at least three primary care visits a year before the deductible, plus preventive care with no cost-sharing (MNsure glossary). Like Bronze plans, they now count as HSA-compatible.

Why this matters more in southeast Minnesota

Premiums are rising again. The Minnesota Department of Commerce published final 2027 rates (Commerce approved 2027 rates), as reported by KSTP and the Post Bulletin: statewide average 17.4%; individual market 9.9% to more than 21.1%(~203,000 people); small group 10.6% to 21.4% (~184,000). Without reinsurance the proposed average was 57.9%. Carrier individual averages include Blue Plus +17.3%, Medica +13.8%, and HealthPartners +21.1%. Rates take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Southeast Minnesota is expected to keep the highest MNsure premiums in the state, with only two or three plans offered in the southeastern corner (KROC News, Oct. 1, 2026, citing Commerce).

That leaves fewer choices and higher monthly bills for people in Austin, Rochester and Albert Lea. Many people who buy through MNsure still qualify for financial help — check the MNsure eligibility estimate before you assume you'll pay full price.

What it can look like: three Southeast Minnesota examples

Here's the idea in three steps:

1. Choose Bronze instead of Silver on the same network at MNsure open enrollment.
2. Put the premium difference into an HSA before taxes.
3. Join HELPcare and pay your membership dues from the HSA.

Every example uses the same two Blue Plus Southeast MN HSA plans — Silver 271 and Bronze 270/470 — after the tax credit. Credits use the official 2027 county benchmark. Blue Plus premiums are 2027 estimates (2026 rates x Blue Plus's +17.3% average). Verify in the MNsure plan finder before you enroll. Education only — not tax or insurance advice.

	Single, 35 • Albert Lea • $50k	Couple, 55 • Rochester • $75k	Family of 4 • Rochester • $120k
Income as % of poverty	313%	347%	364%
Tax credit / mo	$232	$1,802	$1,533
Silver after credit	$472	$769	$1,158
Bronze after credit	$390	$468	$843
Difference to HSA	$82	$301	$315
Covers Basic	83% of $99	152% of $198	106% of $296
Covers Premier	55% of $149	101% of $298	63% of $496*

Illustrative 2027 examples as of Nov. 3, 2026. Blue Plus premiums are estimates; verify in MNsure Plan Finder. APTC uses official 2027 county benchmarks. General information, not tax advice.

Premier for a family of four ($496) exceeds the IRS $300 multi-person limit — use Basic ($296) to keep contributing to an HSA. Kids in the example are ages 10 and 12. Only the first two children are charged.

Basic is $99/adult and $49/child; Premier is $149/adult and $99/child. Prefer no monthly dues? Ask about PayGo.

How HELPcare's plans fit with a Bronze or Catastrophic plan

Every HELPcare level works alongside your MNsure plan. Here's how they compare from our PayGo, HELPcare Basic and HELPcare Premier pages (as of Nov. 3, 2026). The Online Bundle (eLearning, Community, Metabolic Health by the Numbers) is included in all three.

	PayGo	HELPcare Basic	HELPcare Premier
Monthly dues	None	$99 adult / $49 child	$149 adult / $99 child
Commitment	None	1 year	1 year
What's included	Pay-as-you-go visits, labs and procedures at transparent rates	Establish Care labs, one 90-minute visit (child: one 60-minute visit) and acute care for the year; member pricing on extras	Unlimited office and phone visits, unlimited labs from the Premier list (100+), acute care and routine procedures; wholesale pricing on tests not on the list
Online Bundle	Included	Included	Included
Often a fit for	Occasional care, or trying HELPcare first	Generally healthy adults who want a yearly physical plus acute care	People who want ongoing care, chronic-condition support or frequent labs
HSA note	No monthly dues, so there's no membership fee to count against the $150 limit. Per-visit charges are ordinary medical expenses; confirm with your advisor.	Adult dues ($99) meet the IRS direct primary care rules for HSA payment. You can pay HELPcare dues from your HSA.	Adult dues ($149) meet the IRS direct primary care rules for HSA payment. You can pay HELPcare dues from your HSA.

HELPcare plan levels and prices as of Nov. 3, 2026. See each plan page for current details. Memberships meet the IRS direct primary care rules — pay HELPcare dues from your HSA.

Have questions about pairing your 2027 MNsure plan with HELPcare? Request the HSA + HELPcare Starter Guide, call or text our membership line at (507) 418-8465, or email memberships@helpcare.health.

Get the Starter Guide

Individuals

Fill in your own numbers: Your Bronze or Catastrophic premium (from your MNsure quote) + HELPcare dues ($0, $99 or $149) + what you put into your HSA = your monthly health budget. Your premium depends on age, county, plan and any tax credit.

Couples and families: watch the $300 family limit

Here's the math using our published prices:

• Two adults on Premier: $149 + $149 = $298 a month, just under $300.
• Two adults and one child on Premier: $149 + $149 + $99 = $397 a month, which is over $300.
• A family of four on Basic: $99 + $99 + $49 + $49 = $296 a month, under $300.
• A family of four on Premier: $496 a month, over $300 — those families should use Basic if they want to keep contributing to an HSA.

Whether family members' memberships are counted together or separately depends on how the arrangement is set up. Treat this as a question to ask your tax or benefits advisor before you choose levels for everyone.

Paying annually and changing later

Pay a year of HELPcare Basic or HELPcare Premier up front and you get 12 months for the price of 11 — allowed if the fee stays within the monthly limit annualized. Start on PayGo and you can upgrade to Basic or Premier anytime; upgrading starts a new 12-month term.

What if my employer pays for my DPC membership?

Then you can't also reimburse those dues from your HSA, including dues paid through a Section 125 cafeteria plan salary reduction (Notice 2026-05, Q-18). Employer? See how HELPcare works as an employee benefit.

What HELPcare is not: is direct primary care insurance?

No. HELPcare is not health insurance and doesn't meet federal requirements to buy insurance. We don't bill any insurance, government or commercial. Your dues aren't payments to your health plan, so they don't count toward its deductible or out-of-pocket maximum (Notice 2026-05, Q-16). Membership doesn't replace coverage for hospital, specialist, emergency or prescription costs. When you need more than primary care, we refer you to Mayo Clinic, Olmsted Medical Center and others — that's when your MNsure plan does its job.

Will HELPcare's providers accept my MNsure insurance?

No. HELPcare doesn't bill any insurance, including MNsure plans. Your MNsure card is for the care outside our clinic.

Another option people ask about: Zion HealthShare

Some households compare a health-care sharing ministry such as Zion HealthShare with a Bronze MNsure plan. Zion HealthShare is not insurance, and a health share is not HSA-qualifying coverage on its own — you generally can't make new HSA contributions if it is your only coverage. Sharing ministries typically limit or phase in sharing for pre-existing conditions, and members pay an initial unshareable amount before eligible needs are shared. Monthly shares can look lower than a Bronze premium after tax credits, but the products are not equivalent to regulated insurance. Talk with a licensed agent and a tax advisor. See our Zion HealthShare page for more background on this option.

Your 2027 open enrollment checklist

1. Nov. 1, 2026: MNsure open enrollment opens (it is open now).
2. Get your MNsure eligibility estimate and quotes. Note which plans are Bronze or Catastrophic.
3. Under 30, or have an exemption? Compare Catastrophic plans too.
4. Choose your HELPcare level (PayGo, Basic or Premier) and check the $300 family limit.
5. Ask your tax or benefits advisor to confirm your HSA eligibility, then open or fund your HSA.
6. Dec. 15, 2026: enroll for coverage starting Jan. 1. Jan. 15, 2027: last day to enroll; coverage starts Feb. 1.
7. Call or text HELPcare at (507) 418-8465 to start your membership, or request the Starter Guide.

Enrollment dates: MNsure, as of Nov. 3, 2026.

Come talk with a licensed agent at an open house

During open enrollment we're hosting open houses where you can meet HELPcare and talk with a licensed insurance agent who knows how MNsure, HSAs and HELPcare fit together. The agent is independent of HELPcare.

• Albert Lea — Sat., Nov. 7, 8-10 a.m., Skyline Plaza, 1665 W. Main St.
• Rochester— Thu., Nov. 5 and Tue., Nov. 10, 5-7 p.m.; Sat., Nov. 14, 9-11 a.m.
• Austin — Thu., Nov. 12, 5-7 p.m., 308 4th Ave NW.

Questions? Call or text (507) 418-8465, or request the Starter Guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use HELPcare with an MNsure plan?

Yes. HELPcare is a direct primary care membership that sits alongside your MNsure plan. HELPcare covers your everyday primary care for a membership fee (or pay-as-you-go with PayGo), and your MNsure plan covers hospital, specialist, emergency and prescription costs. HELPcare doesn't bill MNsure or any insurance, and its dues don't count toward your deductible.

Are MNsure Bronze plans HSA-eligible in 2027?

Yes. Since Jan. 1, 2026, federal law treats Bronze and Catastrophic individual-market plans as HSA-compatible high-deductible plans, even if they don't meet the usual HDHP deductible rules. That continues for 2027. Confirm your own eligibility with a tax or benefits advisor.

Can I have a direct primary care membership and still contribute to an HSA?

Yes. HELPcare memberships meet the IRS direct primary care rules. Your total DPC fees need to stay at $150 a month or less ($300 if the arrangement covers more than one person). Those limits are unchanged for 2027. If fees go over the limit, you can't contribute to an HSA while enrolled.

Can I pay HELPcare dues from my HSA?

Yes. You can pay HELPcare dues from your HSA. IRS guidance allows HSA funds to pay periodic fees for qualifying direct primary care arrangements. Dues paid by your employer can't also be reimbursed from your HSA. Ask a tax or benefits advisor to confirm how this applies to your situation.

Do HELPcare dues count toward my MNsure deductible?

No. Membership dues aren't payments to your health plan, so they don't count toward its deductible or out-of-pocket maximum.

Who can buy a Catastrophic plan on MNsure?

People under 30, or people 30 and older with a hardship or affordability exemption from HealthCare.gov (MNsure doesn't issue exemptions). Catastrophic plans are offered on MNsure for 2027 by a limited number of carriers, so check the MNsure plan finder for your county.

When is MNsure open enrollment for 2027?

Nov. 1, 2026 through Jan. 15, 2027. Enroll by Dec. 15, 2026 for coverage that starts Jan. 1, or by Jan. 15 for coverage that starts Feb. 1.

Is HELPcare health insurance?

No. HELPcare is a membership for primary care. It isn't health insurance and doesn't meet federal requirements to buy insurance. Keep a health plan for hospital, specialist, emergency and prescription costs. HELPcare Clinic is independent and not affiliated with MNsure.

Talk to us

Have questions about pairing your 2027 MNsure plan with HELPcare? Request the HSA + HELPcare Starter Guide, call or text (507) 418-8465, or email memberships@helpcare.health.

Get the Starter Guide

Not sure which level fits? Compare PayGo, Basic and Premier. You're welcome at our clinics in Austin, Rochester and Albert Lea.

Who can help me choose a MNsure plan?

We're a clinic, not an insurance agency — we don't recommend carriers or plans. Options: a licensed agent we can connect you with at no cost (independent of HELPcare); a MNsure certified assister at no charge to you; or the MNsure plan finder. Turning 65 or already on Medicare? Contact Minnesota's Senior LinkAge Line or 1-800-MEDICARE — this page doesn't cover Medicare.

Sources

Checked Nov. 3, 2026:

• IRS news release IR-2025-119 (Dec. 9, 2025)
• IRS Notice 2026-05 (PDF)
• IRS Rev. Proc. 2026-24, 2027 amounts (PDF)
• MNsure: eligibility and enrollment dates
• MNsure: eligibility estimate
• MNsure: plan rates
• MNsure glossary (Catastrophic plans)
• MNsure: find an assister
• HealthCare.gov: exemptions
• Minnesota Department of Commerce, approved 2027 rates
• MPR News, Sept. 30, 2026: premium hikes and enrollment drop

This page is general information, not tax, legal or insurance advice. HELPcare Clinic is independent and not affiliated with MNsure, Blue Plus or Zion HealthShare.