Saving, investing and retirement planning. These are just three of the perks you’ll experience when you participate in a health savings account (HSA). To be eligible for an HSA, there are only a few requirements, with two of the big ones being that you must be covered by a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), and you...
When managing pre-tax health accounts such as HSAs, FSAs and HRAs, it is easy to assume that all medical expenses automatically qualify for reimbursement. However, some services and products require additional documentation before they are considered eligible. That documentation is called a Letter of Medical Necessity. If you or your employees have ever been asked...
Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) provide you with a smart way to save money on healthcare and dependent care expenses (depending on the type of FSA you’re enrolled in). When you participate in an FSA, you’re putting money aside before it is taxed so you can save on eligible expenses. However, you may have a number...
Congratulations, benefits professionals! You’ve accomplished another year’s open enrollment! Whether you survived or thrived, you have an opportunity to lead your organization’s benefit evaluation. It’s time to charge full speed ahead with your open enrollment aftermath strategy. By analyzing what went right and what could be improved, you can help ensure an easier, more effective...
In 2026, the IRS explicitly warned consumers about misleading “FSA Eligible” labels, particularly from companies claiming that general wellness items like meal plans or gym memberships can be converted into medical expenses through “letters of medical necessity” obtained via online questionnaires. Retailer “FSA eligible” badges are not a legal guarantee of reimbursement. Eligibility is...
The medical mileage rate has been reduced for 2026! When an automobile is used to obtain medical care, the mileage rate may be deductible under code § 213 if it is primarily for, and essential to, the medical care. Previously $0.21/mile, it is now $0.205/mile. If you have any questions about these changes, please don’t...
For many, winter is as synonymous with snowflakes as it is with sinus problems. Fortunately, health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) cover many common winter eligible expenses you might turn to this time of year! We’ve compiled a few common seasonal issues and eligible expenses that can help. Dry nasal passages...
Medical flexible spending accounts (medical FSAs) are use-or-lose accounts. There are limits as to whether (or how much of) your employees’ FSA funds can be carried over into the next plan year. How well do your employees understand their FSA’s plan rules? If they don’t, they could risk forfeiting funds to the plan. And any...
Open enrollment performance tracking is important to make sure you have a successful period, ensuring you’re offering your employees the best possible benefits packages and creating a better system for years to come. Communication Engagement Metrics Communication engagement can provide insights into employee satisfaction and level of engagement. If an open enrollment period sees...
Saving, investing and retirement planning. These are just three of the perks you’ll experience when you participate in a health savings account (HSA). To be eligible for an HSA, there are only a few requirements, with two of the big ones being that you must be covered by a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), and you can’t participate in both an HSA and a medical flexible spending account (medical FSA).
However, just because you participate in an HSA doesn’t mean you need to miss out on the savings potential of an FSA. Limited FSAs and combination FSAs are eligible to be paired with HDHPs and HSAs.
HSA + FSA perk #1: Save more money
An HSA is a smart tool for saving on eligible medical, dental and vision expenses. However, the IRS sets contribution limits on how much money you can set aside into these accounts. By pairing your HSA with a limited FSA or combination FSA, you put aside even more pre-tax dollars beyond what just an HSA allows. Eligible expenses for each of the two FSAs are:
“Very few individuals and families aren’t going to have something over the course of a year that falls with that [limited FSA eligible expense] category,” said Hagen on WEX’s Benefits podcast. “If it’s small or if it’s large, you can certainly take advantage of a few extra dollars staying in your pocket.”
HSA + FSA perk #2: Fast access to funds
One of the differences between an HSA and an FSA is when funds are available. With an HSA, you have access to funds as they are contributed. With an FSA, all funds are available on Day 1 of the plan year. By pairing an HSA with an FSA, you can access your FSA funds right away, which will give you time to build up your HSA balance.
HSA + FSA perk #3: Use HSA for savings and FSA for spending
It’s all in the name: An HSA is a “savings” account. While you can save on qualifying purchases with an HSA, it’s best when you’re able to use it as a savings vehicle. That’s because (unlike an FSA) all HSA funds carry over from one year to the next. And you can invest your HSA funds, which is why the account rivals a 401(k) or IRA for retirement planning.
By choosing to participate in both an HSA and a limited FSA or combination FSA, you’re able to apply any dental, vision and preventive care expenses to your FSA, your HSA funds will have the ability to grow (both as you contribute to them and, if you choose, through investment). That helps you harness the long-term power of an HSA.
The information in this blog post is for educational purposes only. It is not investment, legal or tax advice. For legal or tax advice, you should consult your own counsel. To stay up to date on benefits trends and insights, subscribe to our blog.
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