Can one spouse have an HSA and the other an HRA?

Asked by: Norberto Graham Sr.  |  Last update: June 30, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (69 votes)

If that's your case, there are ways you can leverage both. For you or your spouse to use an HRA and HSA together, you'll need to coordinate the two benefits compliantly. Luckily, this is possible with two popular HRA options—the qualified small employer HRA (QSEHRA) and the individual coverage HRA (ICHRA).

Can one spouse have a single HSA and the other a family HSA?

As it stands, two spouses may not both contribute to a single HSA via payroll deduction. Both spouses may contribute to their individual accounts via payroll deduction and then use funds from either HSA to pay for each other's medical expenses.

Can you and your spouse have separate HSA?

No, the FHSA is an individual savings plan only. However, if you buy your property with your spouse, you can combine both of your FHSA accounts. The lifetime contribution limit of $40,000 applies to everyone.

Can my spouse use my HRA if not on my insurance?

For certain types of HRAs, you and any eligible household members must enroll in a health plan (like through the Marketplace) to use the HRA money.

Can you have an HRA with a high deductible health plan?

High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP) A High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) is a health plan product that combines a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) with traditional medical coverage. It provides insurance coverage and a tax-advantaged way to help save for future medical expenses.

Can I have an HRA and an HSA at the same time? #AskTheMoneyGuy

32 related questions found

Can I have both an HRA and an HSA?

The answer is yes; you can have an HRA and HSA simultaneously under specific circumstances. However, to understand the advantages of having both accounts, let's first look at the differences between the two.

Is there a downside to HRA?

You are not taxed on the money your employer puts in your HRA, but you cannot invest the money, can only withdraw it for eligible medical services, and will lose it if you leave your job unless you choose COBRA continuing coverage.

Who is not eligible for an HRA?

Generally, employers of any size can offer an individual coverage HRA, as long as they have one employee who isn't a self-employed owner or the spouse of a self-employed owner. HRAs are only for employees, not self-employed individuals.

What is the working spouse rule for ACA?

The ACA requires employers with 50 or more workers to offer coverage to employees and their children (until age 26). However, there is no requirement that employers of any size offer health benefits to employees' spouses.

Can I have an FSA if my spouse has an HRA?

Using an HRA and an FSA together is a smart way to take advantage of employer-sponsored health benefit plans. They allow you to access more tax-free money for the qualifying medical expenses you incur for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents.

Can I use my husband's HSA account?

Yes. You can use HSA funds to pay for qualified health care expenses for yourself, your spouse or dependent(s) even if they are covered under another health plan.

What is the 90 day rule for FHSA?

Contribute to the FHSA in each calendar year, including when you plan to buy a home, and delay your RRSP contribution until at least 90 days before you intend to withdraw your funds.

Can you transfer HSA from one spouse to another?

The IRA and HSA in question must be owned by the same individual (funds are non-transferable to a spouse or partner). Funds can be transferred from a Traditional or Roth IRA without further restrictions. Funds can be transferred from an SEP or Simple IRA as long as the IRA is no longer considered “ongoing” by the IRS.

Can I have two HSA accounts at the same time?

This is a very common question from our customers, so let's lead with the short answer: Yes, you can have more than one health savings account (HSA).

Can I use my HSA for gym membership?

Generally, the IRS doesn't allow pretax dollars in HSAs or FSAs for gym memberships. This is because they see them as expenses for general well-being rather than medical necessity. However, with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), your HSA or FSA could be used to fund those expenses.

Can I use my HSA for my dog?

The short answer is yes, you can use your HSA for veterinary expenses. Under current IRS guidelines, eligible medical expenses include those that are primarily for the prevention or alleviation of a physical or mental defect or illness.

Can husband and wife have different ACA plans?

Assuming you are part of one application, the members of your household can enroll in separate plans in a health insurance Marketplace.

What is the spousal carve out rule?

A spousal carve-out is a plan provision that excludes or restricts spouses from being eligible for the employer's group health plan when they are eligible or enrolled in their own employer's health plan. Another approach to limit spousal eligibility in the plan is a spousal surcharge.

What is the 95 rule for ACA?

Employers must offer health insurance that is affordable and provides minimum value to 95% of their full-time employees and their children up to the end of the month in which they turn age 26, or be subject to penalties. This is known as the employer mandate.

Can both spouses have an HRA?

Sometimes, an employee and their spouse may both have HRA allowances. This can happen if you're employed by the same company or have an HRA through different employers. It's important for employee spouses to avoid double reimbursement for the same medical expense.

Can someone have an HRA and HSA?

The answer is yes, you can under specific circumstances. Per IRS regulations, four special-purpose HRAs are compatible with simultaneous HSA ownership. To better understand how the accounts can work together, let's look at the basics, compatible plan types, and the advantages of simultaneous enrollment.

What are the rules of an HRA?

Because an HRA is employer-owned, most HRAs are only for current employees. Unused funds stay with an employer if an employee leaves their job, is laid off, or retires. This is unlike HSAs that are employee-owned. With an HSA, the account and unused funds go with an employee even if they change jobs.

What are the negatives of HRA?

Disadvantages: Non-Transferable Funds: Employers retain unused funds when an employee leaves. Contribution Limits: Annual contribution limits may restrict the amount employers can provide. Group Plan Compatibility: Employees might prefer existing group plans, potentially limiting QSEHRA adoption.

Is HRA reported to IRS?

Employer contributions to an HRA are excluded from an employee's gross income and wages (hence are not subject to income or payroll taxes), and distributions from such arrangements for qualified medical expenses are tax-free. Only employers can contribute to HRAs.

What happens to unused money in an HRA?

HRA claim documentation usually comes in the form of a receipt, invoice, or explanation of benefits (EOB). Then, your employer reimburses you tax-free up to your monthly allowance amount. Any unused money stays with your employer if you leave the company.