HSA with a high deductible PPO?

I am in an interesting situation. My workplace is offering a choice between a HDHP with a HSA, or a PPO with an FSA. The tricky bit is that both the HDHP and PPO have similar deductibles/out of pocket maxes, and I think the PPO plans would also be HSA eligible.

Example for an induvial (numbers are approximate, but representative)-

HDHP – Deductible – $3k. Out of pocket max – $6k
PPO – Deductible – $3k. Out of pocket max – $6k. With fixed cost copays for certain procedures even before deductible (Primary care, tests, urgent care, specialist, etc…). Otherwise, very similar to the HDHP (coinsurance is the same for both plans for non co-pay procedures).

I see on the IRS website that the deductible minimum for a HSA eligible account is $1,600. As both have very similar deductibles (both around the numbers given above), they both qualify on that bullet. I do not know if the inclusion of copays in the PPO for certain procedures effects it somehow. The insurance provider lists the PPO as not HSA eligible, but I do not understand why. If anything, the IRS specifically calls out copays as contributing to the out of pocket max.

If it is HSA eligible, as I understand it, I could make an HSA outside of work, and then deduct my contributions at the end of the year. Right?

submitted by /u/Vk3rCo75ev1z
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