How It Works

Here’s a step-by-step look at how the Healthcare FSA works.

Step 1: Decide How Much To Contribute

You can add up to $3,200 in 2024 and $3,300 in 2025 to the Healthcare FSA. Your contributions come out of your paycheck before taxes.

Step 2: Pay for Eligible Expenses

You can use your FSA debit card to pay for care at doctor and dentist offices, pharmacies, and vision service providers. You have access to the full amount you contribute for the year up-front.

Know the Ins and Outs

Keep these rules in mind.

  • Use it or lose it! You lose any Healthcare FSA money you don’t use by December 31. You have until March 31 of the next year, to request reimbursement and file claims for expenses. Any remaining amount will be forfeited. You can roll over $660 of unused funds to the next year.
  • No interest and you can’t take it with you. The money in your Healthcare FSA does not earn interest, and you can’t take it with you if you leave the company.
  • Keep your receipts! Make sure to keep your receipts in case you need to verify your purchase.
  • You cannot change your Healthcare FSA election. Once you make your election for the next year, you cannot change it in the middle of the year without a qualifying life event.

Tax Advantages x 2@Work

The Healthcare FSA has double tax advantages.

  • Pre-tax savings. Your contributions come out of your paycheck before your taxes are taken out, which means you pay less in taxes.
  • Tax-free withdrawals. When you use the money for eligible expenses, there are no taxes to pay.

Healthcare FSA at a Glance

Here are the need-to-know details.

Healthcare FSA
Who can use it If you not enrolled in a CDHP or you are not eligible for a Health Savings Account (HSA)
How much you can add Up to $3,200 in 2024
Up to $3,300 in 2025
Whose expenses are eligible Yours, your spouse’s and your eligible dependents’
What you can use it for Eligible medical, prescription drug, dental and vision expenses.

For a complete list of covered expenses, visit the IRS site.