Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
An employer-sponsored account that lets you pay for eligible healthcare expenses with pre-tax dollars, typically with a use-it-or-lose-it rule.
What is Flexible Spending Account (FSA)?
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is an employer-sponsored benefit that lets you set aside pre-tax money from your paycheck to pay for qualified medical expenses. Unlike an HSA, an FSA is tied to your employer - if you leave your job, you typically lose access to remaining funds.
FSAs have a "use-it-or-lose-it" rule: any money left in your account at the end of the plan year is forfeited, though employers may offer a grace period of up to 2.5 months or allow a carryover of up to $640 (2024). This makes it important to estimate your expenses carefully.
The main advantage of an FSA is that you don't need a high-deductible health plan to have one, and your full annual election is available on day one of the plan year. This means if you elect $2,850 for the year, you can use all of it in January even though you haven't contributed it yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between HSA and FSA?
HSAs require an HDHP but offer triple tax benefits and funds that never expire. FSAs work with any health plan but have use-it-or-lose-it rules and are tied to your employer.
Can I have both an HSA and FSA?
Generally no, but you can have a Limited Purpose FSA (for dental and vision only) alongside an HSA.
What happens to my FSA if I leave my job?
Typically you lose access to remaining funds, though you can use COBRA to continue accessing the account temporarily.
Related Terms
Health Savings Account (HSA)
A tax-advantaged savings account for people with high-deductible health plans to pay for qualified medical expenses.
Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA)
An employer-sponsored account for paying childcare and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Pre-Tax
Money contributed to your HSA before income taxes are calculated, reducing your taxable income.
Use It or Lose It
The FSA rule that forfeits unused funds at the end of the plan year, unlike HSAs which roll over.
Related HSA Expenses
Learn More
Track your HSA expenses
Now that you understand the terms, put your knowledge to work. Track expenses and reimburse yourself tax-free.
Get Started Free