Is it Legal for People to Use FSAs and HSAs Together?

Yes, employees can use an HSA and an FSA together, but with important exceptions. According to IRS Publication 969, a standard FSA is generally considered "other health coverage" and is incompatible with an HSA. However, there are two specific types of FSAs that can work alongside an HSA:

1. Limited-Purpose FSA – This type of FSA is restricted to covering qualifying dental and vision expenses, making it compatible with an HSA.

2. Post-Deductible Health FSA – This option covers general medical expenses but only after the individual meets their high-deductible health plan (HDHP) deductible.

Employees should review their plan details carefully to ensure compatibility and maximize the benefits of using both accounts.

What's the Difference Between an HSA and an FSA?

A health savings account (HSA) is a personal bank account with significant tax advantages that can be used by an individual to pay for medical expenses, typically on high-deductible health insurance plans.

Meanwhile, flexible spending accounts (FSA) allow employees to set aside pre-taxed funds for healthcare or dependent care expenses. Keep in mind that HSAs and FSAs aren’t mutually exclusive—employees can utilize both of these benefits. 

While there are restrictions on contributions for both types of accounts, there are three key differences between the two:

1. HSA funds roll over year to year, while FSAs tend to expire at the end of the calendar year (or at the end of the plan year), though there may be a carryover or grace period, depending on the plan
2. Employers and employees can contribute to HSAs and FSAs, but there are limits to what an employer can contribute to an FSA based on what an employee contributes 
3. Unlike HSAs, you do not have to be a member of a high-deductible health plan to contribute to an FSA

Why Do HSAs and FSAs Matter?

By offering varied, flexible benefits to your employees during your company’s open enrollment period, you’re doing more than just showcasing the organization’s generosity. Strong benefits packages matter to workers.

Not only do they help recruit new employees, but benefits can improve your retainment efforts as well. Job-hopping has become a more common trend in recent years, but if you’re able to provide ongoing value for your team, these concerns can be mitigated. 

Put another way, with proper education on the positives of both HSAs and FSAs—and a potent HRIS that helps you maintain and administer these benefits—you can make your team stronger in the short- and long-term.

For more information, check out the following blogs: 

• What Is an FSA?
• What Is an HSA?
• Can I Contribute to an HSA If My Spouse Has an FSA?
• Key HSA and FSA Rules for Spouses + Practical Scenarios

Additional Resources

You can stay informed, educated, and up-to-date with important HR topics using BerniePortal’s comprehensive resources:

• BerniePortal Blog—a one-stop-shop for HR industry news
• HR Glossary—featuring the most common HR terms, acronyms, and compliance
• HR Guides—essential pillars, covering an extensive list of comprehensive HR topics
• BernieU—free online HR courses, approved for SHRM and HRCI recertification credit
• HR Party of One—our popular YouTube series and podcast, covering emerging HR trends and enduring HR topics