Get Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Program

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA, also called a “flexible spending arrangement”) is a special account you put money into that you use to pay for certain out-of-pocket health care costs. You don't pay taxes on this money. This means you'll save an amount equal to the taxes you would have paid on the money you set aside.

An arrangement through your employer that lets you pay for many out-of-pocket medical expenses with tax-free dollars. Allowed expenses include insurance copayments and deductibles, qualified prescription drugs, , and medical devices. You decide how much to put in an FSA, up to a limit set by your employer.

This estimator accounts for annual limits on FSAs, which are $3,050 for medical expenses per plan year, and $5,000 for dependent care expenses per plan year. After this limit is reached, expenses are not reimbursed.

A flexible spending account (FSA) is a tax-advantaged savings account allowed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and established by employers. Taxpayers can save pre-tax earnings for medical and dental expenses. The account holder, their spouse, and qualified dependents can benefit from the account.

While FSAs offer several benefits, they also have limitations. The 'use-it-or-lose-it' rule can lead to the loss of unspent funds. Additionally, there are restrictions regarding eligible expenses and contribution limits, which are determined by the IRS and can change annually.

While FSAs offer several benefits, they also have limitations. The 'use-it-or-lose-it' rule can lead to the loss of unspent funds. Additionally, there are restrictions regarding eligible expenses and contribution limits, which are determined by the IRS and can change annually.

HSAs and FSAs both help you save for qualified medical expenses. HSAs may offer higher contribution limits and allow you to carry funds forward, but you're only eligible if you're enrolled in an HSA-eligible health plan. FSAs have lower contribution limits and generally you can't carry over funds.

An FSA won't lower the actual costs of your healthcare expenses. Its real money-saving benefit comes from tax savings: Your contributions to an FSA are pre-tax, meaning they lower your taxable income, saving you money on taxes in the long-run.