No, you are not required to make HSA contributions, but the tax benefits and potential investment opportunities are good reasons to consider doing so.

The HSA can help you budget for the higher deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums of Option C and it is a tax-effective way to save for future qualified health care expenses. Additionally, since the per-paycheck premiums for Option C are significantly lower than the other medical plan Options, you may want to consider contributing the difference in your premiums to the HSA.