Can you use an HRA like an HSA?

Asked by: Casimer Rutherford Sr.  |  Last update: August 11, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (49 votes)

Both HRAs and HSAs help you manage and pay for qualified medical expenses. Where regulations permit, having both accounts at the same time doubles your advantages: Tax-free, employer-funded account to pay for qualified medical expenses (HRA) Account funds can be used for a wide variety of healthcare expenses (HRA, HSA)

What is the downside of HRA?

And here are the biggest disadvantages: You can't contribute to your own HRA, so you are reliant on your employer to put money in. Your employer owns the account, and you lose your HRA money if you leave your job unless you elect COBRA coverage. Money in an HRA cannot be invested and grow year over year.

Can I withdraw money from my HRA account?

This is unlike HSAs, which the individual employee owns. HSAs also aren't tied to employment, whereas HRAs are. Because they're employer-owned and aren't set up like accounts, employees can't withdraw the funds from their HRA's allowance to directly pay for qualified medical care expenses or health coverage.

What can an HRA be used for?

It's an employer-funded group health plan that your employer contributes a certain amount to. You use the money to pay for qualifying medical expenses up to a fixed dollar amount per year. Unused funds may carry over from year to year. The amount you pay for your health insurance every month.

Can I have an HSA if my wife has an HRA?

You are ineligible to contribute to an HSA if you have ``other'' medical coverage. A typical HRA will cover the employee, spouse, and dependents, so that counts as ``other'' coverage and disqualifies you from making HSA contributions.

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

29 related questions found

Can I open an HSA if I have an HRA?

Because a limited-purpose HRA doesn't cover general medical expenses, you can still maintain HSA eligibility. If you're expecting significant dental or vision expenses and want to save your HSA funds for other medical expenses, a limited-purpose HRA could be a great option.

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

If the HRA is a QSEHRA, that means the spouse must have a health plan that meets Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC). MEC is any insurance plan that meets the ACA's requirements of affordable health coverage. Read more about what qualifies as MEC. If the HRA is an ICHRA, then the spouse must be on a qualified health plan.

Is HRA or HSA better?

Your self-funded HSA is portable; your HRA generally isn't. Account holders can earn interest on their HSA, but no interest is earned on an HRA. HSAs are usually better for those who are focused on the long-term. HRAs allow more flexibility for employers.

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.

Can I use my HRA for gym membership?

Examples of expenses that are not eligible for reimbursement include: Medical expenses that are not defined as eligible under your employer's plan; Medical expenses that do not meet IRS section 213(d) requirements (e.g., gym memberships, nutritional supplements, cosmetic procedures and surgeries);

Can I transfer money from my HRA to my bank account?

An HRA is not an account. Therefore, employees cannot withdraw funds in advance and then use them to pay medical expenses. Instead, they must incur the expense first, then have it reimbursed. Reimbursement at the time of service is possible if the employer provides an HRA debit card.

Do I have to report my HRA on my taxes?

Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs), are employer-sponsored plans that reimburse you for health care costs. Your employer is the only one who can contribute to your HRA. There is nothing to report on your tax return for an HRA.

Can I still use my HRA if I quit my job?

However, they are not portable and cannot be withdrawn from the account other than to pay for eligible expenses. You will be able to continue to use this money to pay for your healthcare expenses (including health insurance premiums) even after you retire or leave employment.

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 there a max limit on an HRA?

Is there an annual contribution limit? Unlike FSAs and HSAs, there are no IRS-imposed annual limits on how much an employer can contribute to a standard HRA. That enables the employer to determine the amount available each year.

What costs are covered by HRA?

This includes deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, or out-of-pocket costs. In addition, qualified medical expenses for an HRA can also include dental and vision care expenses, as well as prescription drugs. The list of qualified medical expenses is determined by IRS; see IRS Publication 502.

How can I spend my HRA money?

You can use the funds in your HRA to pay for eligible medical expenses, as determined by the IRS and your employer. Some employers may only allow the HRA to pay for services covered by your health plan. Some employers may also let you use funds in the account to pay for dental, vision or other services.

Can I use my HRA after I retire?

A Retiree-Only HRA can be used to reimburse qualified medical expenses, including premiums for individual coverage and Medicare, incurred after retirement.

Can I use HRA for out-of-pocket expenses?

Individual coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs)

It's a specific account-based health plan that allows employers to provide defined non-taxed reimbursements to employees for qualified medical expenses, including monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs, like copayments and deductibles.

What is the best alternative to an HSA?

Alternatives to Health Savings Accounts
  • Other employer-sponsored health plans. ...
  • Self-employed pension plan. ...
  • PPO discount plans. ...
  • Low cost health insurance plans. ...
  • IRA accounts.

Can you use HRA for glasses?

Used to exclusively reimburse dental and vision care expenses • Eligible dental expenses include exams, cleanings, X-rays, braces, etc. Eligible vision expenses include exams, contact lenses and supplies, eyeglasses, laser eye surgery, etc. How Does an HRA Work?

Can I contribute to an HSA if I have an HRA?

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.

Can my girlfriend use my HRA card?

Yes, you can use your card to pay medical care expenses for you, your spouse, and qualified dependents. If you want, you can request separate cards for your spouse or dependents. How much can I spend each day? You can spend up to 90% of your HRA balance every day ($3,000 daily limit).

What happens if I don't use my HRA?

What happens if I don't use all the money in my HRA? Unlike a healthcare FSA which requires any unused funds to be forfeited, an HRA can be set up to roll your funds from one plan year to the next. If your employer offers "fund rollover" it will be described in your Summary plan documents.

Can I open my own HSA?

Can I open my own health savings account if my employer doesn't offer one? Yes, you can open a health savings account (HSA) even if your employer doesn't offer one. But you can make current-year contributions only if you are covered by an HSA-qualified health plan, also known as a high-deductible health plan (HDHP).