Wondering how an HSA is different from a Health Care Flexible Spending account (FSA)? Here’s how:
| Health Savings Account | Flexible Spending Account | |
|---|---|---|
| When to Use | You can use the HSA to pay for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses under the Bronze or Bronze Plus . | You can use the Health Care FSA to pay for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses under any coverage level. |
| Contributions | You can contribute to your account before taxes. For 2024, the annual limits set by the IRS are $4,150 for individual coverage, and $8,300 for family coverage. If you’re age 55 or older (or will turn age 55 during the plan year), you can also contribute an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution. | You can contribute to your account before taxes, up to the $3,200 annual limit. |
| Fund Availability | You can use up to the total amount you have contributed to your HSA. | The total amount of your annual election is available at the beginning of the plan year. |
| Rollovers | Unused dollars roll over from year to year. The funds are always yours to keep, even if you leave the company or retire. | Unused dollars don’t roll over from year to year. |
| Earning Interest | The money in your HSA earns interest. | The money in your FSA does not earn interest. |
| Debit Cards | Yes, a debit card is available. | Yes, a debit card is available. |
| Investment Option | You can open an investment account when your balance reaches $2,500. | You cannot invest your FSA balance. |
Which Account Should I Use
If you enroll in the Bronze or Bronze Plus coverage level, you can use an HSA, a Health Care FSA, or both an HSA and a Limited Purpose Health Care FSA. If you contribute to an:
- HSA or Health Care FSA, you can use your account to pay for qualified medical, dental, and vision expenses.
- HSA and Limited Purpose Health Care FSA, in order to contribute to an HSA, your FSA will be “limited purpose” and can only be used to pay for qualified dental and vision expenses. Your HSA can be used for qualified medical, dental, and vision expenses.
If you enroll in the Silver or Gold coverage level, you can use the Health Care FSA to pay for qualified medical, dental, and vision expenses.