HSA vs FSA vs HRA Calculator
HSA, FSA, and HRA all reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs but with very different rules on portability, rollover, and tax treatment. This compares your savings across all three for 2026.
| HSA contribution limit 2026 | — |
| FSA contribution limit 2026 | — |
| HRA — employer-defined (no IRS limit) | — |
| HSA total tax savings | — |
| FSA total tax savings | — |
| Best for you | — |
HSA (Health Savings Account), FSA (Flexible Spending Account), and HRA (Health Reimbursement Arrangement) all reduce healthcare cost with pre-tax dollars, but rules differ dramatically. HSA is triple-tax-advantaged and the only one you keep when you change jobs.
HSA — Triple Tax Advantage
Tax-deductible contributions, tax-free growth, tax-free qualified withdrawals. Requires HDHP enrollment (2026: $1,650 self / $3,300 family deductible minimum). 2026 contribution: $4,300 self / $8,550 family. Funds roll over forever and you keep them across jobs. Invest in mutual funds inside HSA for 30-year compounding.
FSA — Use-It-Or-Lose-It
Tax-free contributions ($3,300 limit 2026) for qualified medical expenses. Up to $660 carryover allowed (employer option) or 2.5 month grace period — but not both. NOT portable across employers. Best for predictable annual expenses like dental, vision, or ongoing prescriptions.
HRA — Employer Reimbursement
Employer funds the account; employees submit claims for reimbursement. No employee contributions. No IRS contribution cap. Employer controls rollover policy. Includes ICHRA (Individual Coverage HRA — employer reimburses individual marketplace premiums) and QSEHRA (small business HRA).
Stacking Strategies
HSA-eligible HDHP enrollees can have an HSA + Limited Purpose FSA (dental/vision only). Cannot have HSA + general FSA simultaneously. HRA can be paired with HSA if HRA is post-deductible or limited purpose only.
Last updated May 2026. Sources: IRS Pub 969, IRS HSA Limits.