What regulatory change was implemented by the ACA regarding HSAs?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) introduced significant regulatory changes to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), one of which includes the adjustment of penalties for non-qualified distributions. Specifically, the ACA increased the penalty from 10% to 20% for individuals who withdraw funds from their HSAs for purposes other than qualified medical expenses. This change was intended to discourage the use of HSA funds for non-medical expenses and to promote the accounts as a viable vehicle for saving for healthcare costs.

The increase in the penalty is significant as it aligns with the ACA's broader goals of reducing overall healthcare costs and ensuring that funds set aside in HSAs are used as intended. This regulatory change emphasizes the importance of HSAs for health-related expenses, enhancing their role in the healthcare financing landscape.

The other options do not accurately reflect changes related to HSAs under the ACA. For instance, HSAs were already available to various employers prior to the ACA, making that option misleading. Additionally, while HSAs maintained tax advantages, they were not made ineligible under this legislation. The ACA did not eliminate minimum contribution requirements either; rather, it focused on ensuring that HSAs serve their purpose effectively in managing healthcare expenses.