Can I have an HSA and FSA in the same year with a different employer?

Asked by: Brook Altenwerth  |  Last update: November 24, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (39 votes)

The IRS has specific rules regarding the use of these accounts, and individuals are not allowed to have both an HSA and an FSA at the same time. This is because the funds in an HSA are considered to be owned by the individual, while the funds in an FSA are owned by the employer.

Can I have an HSA and FSA from different employers?

If you have an FSA and you leave your employer, the account stays behind. If you own an HSA, the account is yours for life. Generally speaking, you cannot have a health FSA and HSA at the same time.

What happens if I have a FSA and HSA in the same year?

It's ok to contribute to an HSA and a Limited Purpose FSA (used to pay for eligible dental and vision expenses). It's also ok to contribute to an HSA and a Dependent Care FSA (used to pay for eligible dependent care services such as preschool, summer day camp, before/after school programs, and child or elder care).

Can you contribute to FSA and HSA in the same year if you change jobs?

Under IRS rules, you cannot actively enroll in and contribute to a General-Purpose FSA account and an HSA account simultaneously. Because of that, when switching from an FSA to an HSA it's best to make a “clean break” by spending down your FSA balance to $0 before the HSA plan year begins.

Can you overlap HSA and FSA?

Typically that's not allowed except under limited circumstances. I recommend you check with your HSA provider directly. There's a rule that states: "An employee covered by an HDHP and a health FSA or an HRA that pays or reimburses qualified medical expenses can't generally make contributions to an HSA.

The Real TRUTH About An HSA - Health Savings Account Insane Benefits

43 related questions found

Can you have a limited FSA and HSA at the same time?

By limiting FSA reimbursements to dental and vision care expenses, you (or your spouse) remain eligible to participate in both a limited-purpose FSA and an HSA. Participating in both plans allows you to maximize your savings and tax benefits.

Can a couple have both HSA and FSA?

According to IRS Publication 969, FSAs are considered “other health coverage.” This means that a traditional FSA will not be compatible with an HSA. Once you have enrolled in an FSA, you will likely be unable to enroll in a separate HSA.

What happens to HSA when you switch companies?

The bottom line is that your HSA is yours. This account doesn't belong to your employer, so you get to take it with you wherever you go, even if your new employer doesn't offer HSAs or provide HSA contributions.

Can I have two FSA accounts in one year?

You can use both accounts, as long as you do not submit the same expense to both accounts for reimbursement. Submit the claims to one or the other FSA account and if there is still an unreimbursed balance that amount can be submitted to the second FSA account.

Is there a limit on FSA contributions when switching jobs?

If you start a new job in August, you can still contribute $1,600 to your new employer-sponsored FSA before you reach your annual limit of $3,200 in 2024. If your new employer has an employer match, you could have more than $3,200 in FSA funds for the year if you contribute $1,600.

Can you use FSA and HSA for the same things?

No. You cannot make a claim through both accounts for the same expense. This is called double-dipping. If you are reimbursed from your LPFSA, you cannot file a claim from your HSA (and vice versa).

What is the maximum HSA contribution for 2024?

In 2024, you can contribute up to $4,150 if you are covered by a high-deductible health plan just for yourself, or $8,300 if you have coverage for your family. In 2025, you can contribute up to $4,300 if you are covered by a high-deductible health plan just for yourself, or $8,550 if you have coverage for your family.

What happens when my HSA balance is $0?

Will my HSA account remain open if I have a $0 balance? The account will remain open if you have a $0 balance. There is no fee assessed to you for having a $0 balance.

What happens if I contribute to HSA and FSA in the same year?

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules clarify that you can't contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA) and a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) in the same plan year.

Can you have both HSA and FSA on Reddit?

You cannot concurrently pay "HSA" and bog-standard "FSA." You can take up paying "FSA" when the "plan year" begins. So, no payments to "FSA" before that date and no payments to "HSA" subsequent to the effective termination date of "HDHP."

Can I have an FSA with a high deductible health plan?

Three types of financial arrangements can be coupled with a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) – a Health Savings Account (HSA), a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

What is double dipping FSA?

What is “double dipping”? Double dipping is paying for an expense on a tax-free basis and also being reimbursed (or receiving a tax deduction) for the same expense on a tax-free basis. This is forbidden by the IRS.

Do I have to pay back FSA if I quit my job?

What Happens to Your FSA if You Quit. If you leave your company, try to use your FSA funds before you go because you don't have to pay the company back for the difference between what you spent and what you paid in, says Erik O.

Is an HSA or FSA better?

Bottom line: Both HSAs and FSAs provide financial benefits for managing health care expenses. HSAs offer more flexibility and long-term growth potential, making them a valuable tool for future financial planning. Learn about HSA options from Aetna.

Do you lose your HSA when you leave a job?

An HSA is a portable account, meaning it goes where you go. If you leave a job, your HSA comes with you. You can keep withdrawing funds from the account, tax-free, to pay eligible expenses as long as there is money in there. It is yours to keep.

Do I lose my HSA if I switch to a PPO?

You own your account, so you keep your HSA, even if you change health plans or leave Federal Government. However, if your HSA was fully funded and you leave the HDHP during the year, then you will have to withdraw some of the contribution from the account.

Can I use HSA for dental?

Your HSA also covers expenses for standard dental cleanings and dental check-ups. One thing to keep in mind is that some of these procedures may have a co-payment, so it's important that you check with your dental insurance provider to find out exactly what you'll have to pay out of pocket.

What happens if I have an HSA and an FSA?

Both HSAs and FSAs are similar in that they help you make qualified health purchases using tax-free funds. But with limited exceptions, you can't have both. This means if you want to take advantage of your employer's flexible spending account, you may not be able to contribute to your HSA.

Can an employee have an FSA and HSA at the same time?

The IRS has specific rules regarding the use of these accounts, and individuals are not allowed to have both an HSA and an FSA at the same time. This is because the funds in an HSA are considered to be owned by the individual, while the funds in an FSA are owned by the employer.

Can I enroll in FSA if I have HSA from previous employer?

HSA/FSA Accounts

However, you cannot enroll in a traditional FSA account if you are already enrolled in an HSA and vice-versa. You can, though, participate in what is known as a Limited Purpose FSA (LPFSA) at the same time as an HSA.