What is the difference between HSA vs FSA

Updated on March 20th, 2025

What Is the Difference?

There are three types of Flexible Spending Accounts.

Medical and Limited FSA can be used for different types of healthcare expenses.
Dependent FSA is used for day care expenses.

Team members working at least 20 hours or more are eligible to participant in these plans.

	FSA – Medical	FSA – Limited	FSA – Dependent	HSA – Medical
Can anyone use it?	Yes, unless you enroll in the High Deductible Health Plan and have an HSA	Only if you are enrolled in the High Deductible Health Plan	Yes	Only if you are enrolled in the High Deductible Health Plan
Who contributes money to it?	You	You	You	You PLUS Carle contributes up to $250 annually
What happens to your money at the end of the year?	You have until March 31 to submit reimbursements for expenses incurred in the prior year. Funds up to the designated IRS limit of $640 with a minimum balance of $50 will carry over year to year. Team members must re-elect the Medical Flex to get the carryover.	You have until March 31 to submit reimbursements for expenses incurred in the prior year. Funds up to the designated IRS limit of $640 with a minimum balance of $50 will carry over year to year. Team members must re-elect the Limited Flex to get the carryover.	You have until March 31 to submit reimbursements for expenses incurred in the prior year. Expenses must be incurred by December 31 of the plan year	It stays in your account until you use it.
What can you use it for?	Doctor bills, over the counter medications, eye glasses, contacts, dental expenses, and much more.	Eye glasses, contacts and dental expenses	Day Care expenses provided by a state licensed provider, limited to dependents under 13 years of age.	Doctor bills, over the counter medications, eye glasses, contacts, dental expenses, and much more.