From Fertility to Mental Health: Hidden Ways Your FSA/HSA Can Support You

Do you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)?

If so (or you’re not sure), you definitely want to keep reading, because with the end of the year approaching, you may have funds socked away that could offset several important medical-related costs.

Not only will you save money, but your health will benefit in the long term.

What are HSA and FSA?

Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow you to set money aside on a pre-tax basis to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurances, and various other qualified medical expenses.

While they sound similar, there are a few eligibility details to keep in mind:

HSAs are only accessible to people through a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), meaning you must pay out-of-pocket for your medical expenses until you reach a certain amount. In general, this type of health plan only covers preventative services before you reach your deductible.

You or your employer may contribute to your HSA, which is offered through financial institutions like banks and credit unions.

FSAs, on the other hand, are only available through your employer, but do not require HDHPs.

You fund your FSA yourself, usually through pre-tax paycheck deductions. Your employer may be able to match your contributions as well, depending on the company.

What's the difference between HSA and FSA?

If you have the option of choosing between an HSA and an FSA, here are some key differences that will likely inform your decision:

• Ownership: Your HSA is yours regardless of where you work. But this is not the case with an FSA; if you leave the employer that provides your FSA, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to take the money with you.
• Rollover rules: While HSA funds roll over indefinitely year after year, FSA funds tend to be of the “use-it-or-lose-it” variety. This means you need to spend your FSA funds by year’s end or else you’ll lose the money entirely. You’ll want to check with your employer for possible rollover exceptions.
• Contribution limits: In 2025, contribution limits for HSAs are $4,300 for individual coverage and $8,550 for family coverage. Those who are 55 and over also have the option of investing an additional $1,000. FSAs in 2025 max out at $3,300. If you’re planning for 2026, there’s some great news on that front: HSA contribution limits are increasing to $4,400 for individual coverage and $8,750 for family coverage. In 2026, FSA contribution limits will rise from $3,300 to $3,400.
• Investment potential: HSA funds can be invested through several different options, allowing you to potentially build a medical nest egg over several years. FSA funds, however, cannot be invested because you usually need to spend the money accrued within the calendar year.

How HSA and FSA help you save

Both HSAs and FSAs help you save primarily by setting aside pre-tax money to pay for medical expenses, which in turn reduces your taxable income.

With an HSA, you also get something called the triple tax advantage:

• Tax-free contributions: Your contributions to your HSA are pre-tax.
• Tax-free withdrawals: Funds can be withdrawn for qualified medical expenses without a tax penalty.
• Tax-free growth: Interest or investment earnings grow tax-free.

With an FSA, there’s also potential for significant annual savings:

Say you put $2,000 (pre-tax) into an FSA. Depending on your tax bracket, you could save about $600.

To learn more about how to check your FSA/HSA balances, start with either your bank (for an HSA) or your employer (FSA). They will likely direct you to the appropriate app and/or website.

You can also determine which expenses are eligible for FSA funds through fsafeds.gov or the fsastore.com, and HSA funds through hsastore.com.

What are the benefits of HSA and FSA?

With healthcare costs rising, budgeting for your monthly prescriptions and doctor visit copays is no small matter. But imagine if you already budgeted for those expenses at the start of the year with an HSA or an FSA: Suddenly, ordering those necessary medical supplies or keeping that doctor’s appointment isn’t keeping you up at night anymore. Not only do FSAs/HSAs allow you to cover your everyday healthcare expenses, but these savings accounts also help reduce your out-of-pocket costs year-round.

Plus, FSAs and HSAs help you to build a healthcare safety net, especially for people using their HSA for long-term savings. So when an emergency arises, and it always does, you won’t have to make an impossible decision between medical expenses and, say, groceries.

Supporting preventive and long-term wellness

But healthcare security isn’t only about being able to handle unexpected illnesses or accidents, it’s also about regular access to proactive care. The more you can integrate preventive healthcare into your lifestyle, the less likely you are to face medical emergencies.

Savings accounts like HSA/FSA aren’t just for that unplanned emergency room visit, though. They’re for preventive screenings like annual well visits and mammograms, as well as long-term wellness services like therapy and nutrition counseling.

Investing in your health shouldn’t be a luxury, and certainly not when you have the option to do so at a lower financial cost.

Can you use an HSA for mental health?

Yes, you can use your HSA (and your FSA) for mental health services, whether it’s through in-person therapy or a teletherapy platform. You will need to check your benefits either with your HSA provider or your employer, as certain services not required for a medical or mental purpose may not qualify. Meaning, while individual therapy is usually FSA/HSA eligible, couples or family therapies may need something from your provider called a Letter of Medical Necessity.

You can typically also use your HSA/FSA for:

• Psychiatric care and corresponding medication management
• Mental health apps (BetterHelp, Calm, Headspace) (Note: You may need a Letter of Medical Necessity for these)

Can you use FSA for fertility treatments?

Yes, you can use your FSA (and your HSA) for fertility treatments, but it’s important to remember that there are some exceptions, so you’ll always want to double-check with your FSA/HSA administrator.

Fertility treatments that qualify as medical care, and thus are FSA-eligible, are as follows:

• In-vitro fertilization (IVF) (including egg retrieval, sperm analysis, and diagnostic testing)
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
• Embryo storage
• Fertility medications (injectables, oral meds, trigger shots)
• Acupuncture and integrative therapies, when prescribed for fertility

What's not covered

Since FSAs/HSAs are specifically for medical expenses, anything that isn’t considered a medical necessity is unlikely to be eligible. This can include:

• Elective egg freezing (unless it’s a medical necessity, such as the patient undergoing chemotherapy)
• Cosmetic procedures (unless related to a medical condition)
• Donor eggs or sperm (this can vary by plan and by case, so don’t dismiss it out of hand)

Tips from fertility experts when using your FSA/HSA

Since fertility treatments tend to fall into that notorious medical expenses “grey area,” it’s always a good idea to have a solid plan in place before getting started. That includes:

• Securing a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor.
• Obtaining itemized receipts from your clinic.
• Submitting claims promptly and keeping digital copies on hand.
• Checking with your FSA/HSA administrator about which treatments are eligible before incurring large expenses.

What is surprisingly eligible for FSA?

When you think about FSA/HSA-qualified medical expenses, it’s easy to assume that only means prescription medications, doctor’s visits, and procedures. But did you know that everyday necessities you usually grab at the supermarket or pharmacy are eligible too?

That’s right, you can use your FSA/HSA funds for essentials like:

• Menstrual care (tampons, pads, menstrual cups, or even period underwear)
• Sunscreen/SPF products
• Over-the-counter sleep aids
• Light therapy lamps for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) (Note: You will likely need a doctor’s prescription)
• Allergy meds
• At-home family planning kits (hormone tests, ovulation kits, and pregnancy tests)
• Pregnancy/postpartum necessities (prenatal vitamins, breast pumps, certain nursing bras, lactation support)

How to find approved products

To avoid any unexpected out-of-pocket expenses, be sure to check FSA/HSA-approved products on websites like FSA Store or HSA Store before doing your shopping. Also, you can look for “FSA/HSA eligible” badges on products when shopping. Larger companies like Amazon, Target, and CVS even have their own online “FSA stores” for quick eligibility checks.

Another option is downloading your FSA/HSA plan’s mobile app for real-time eligibility checks.

How to make the most of your HSA or FSA

Even though 2025 is wrapping up, there’s no better time to make the most out of your HSA or FSA. This way, you can get the most bang for your buck both now and in 2026.

• Start by auditing your Q4 healthcare spending: Where could you have used your HSA/FSA? How did your HSA/FSA help you save money? What are your largest healthcare expenses? Are there any preventive or mental health services you’ve been putting off?
• Next, find out your FSA deadline and grace period options: If you don’t think you’ll be able to spend all of your FSA funds (this is the “use-it-or-lose-it” account) before December 31, check with your employer about your FSA grace period options. You may be allowed to use your 2025 funds for a couple of months in early 2026.
• Max out your contributions (if you can afford it): If it’s financially feasible, see if you can max out your annual contributions, which will allow for the most pre-tax money into your FSA/HSA account. This will save you money in the long run!
• Use HSA as a retirement healthcare fund (if you don't need it now): If you have an HSA, and you don’t need the money immediately, think about using it instead as a retirement healthcare fund (aka a long-term investment).
• Schedule therapy, fertility consults, or wellness appointments before year’s end: This is especially vital for those with an FSA and run the risk of losing their accrued funds in 2026.

Remember, your HSA/FSA isn’t just a “medical account.” It’s a self-care and empowerment tool with long-lasting benefits.

Your FSA and HSA are more powerful than you think

When used wisely, your FSA/HSA can not only save you hundreds of dollars in annual medical expenses, but it can also lower your taxable income.

So if an FSA or HSA is an option for you, whether it’s through your bank, credit union, or your employer, it’s worth exploring how these accounts can best serve you and your healthcare needs. Are you someone who’s been contemplating mental health services like therapy? Or even acupuncture for fertility? Your FSA/HSA can help you reach your health and wellness goals, no matter what they are.

Check your balance, make a plan, and invest in your health unapologetically.