HSA vs FSA Eligibility Checker (2026)
Find out whether you can open an HSA, which kind of FSA can sit next to it, and what to ask HR. Checked against the 2026 IRS numbers, with a source for every result.
Answer for 2026
- Plan meets the 2026 HDHP numbers (needs more information)
Enter your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. For self-only 2026 the plan needs a deductible of at least $1,700 and an out-of-pocket maximum no higher than $8,500.
IRS Pub. 15-B (2026), Health Savings Accounts - Not enrolled in Medicare (passes)
Medicare enrollment would end your contribution limit.
IRS Pub. 969, Qualifying for an HSA Contribution - Not claimed as someone else's dependent (passes)
A person who can be claimed as a dependent on another return is not eligible.
IRS Pub. 969, Qualifying for an HSA Contribution - No health FSA or HRA that conflicts (passes)
No general-purpose health FSA or HRA reported.
IRS Pub. 969, Qualifying for an HSA Contribution - No other disqualifying health coverage (passes)
Permitted extras include dental, vision, accident, disability, long-term care and telehealth coverage.
IRS Pub. 969, Qualifying for an HSA Contribution
Which FSA can sit next to an HSA
- General-purpose health FSA: not allowed. Pays for most eligible medical expenses from the first dollar, which is why it conflicts with an HSA.
- Limited-purpose health FSA: allowed. Dental, vision and preventive care. Allowed with an HSA.
- Post-deductible health FSA: allowed. Pays nothing until the minimum annual deductible is met. Allowed with an HSA.
HSA vs FSA side by side (2026)
| HSA | Health FSA | |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 contribution limit | $4,400 self-only, $8,750 family; plus $1,000 if 55 or older | $3,400 of salary reduction per plan year |
| Who can open it | Anyone with HDHP coverage who is not on Medicare and not a dependent; no income limit | Only through an employer's cafeteria plan, if the employer offers one |
| Unused money at year end | Stays in your account; the HSA is portable and stays with you if you change employers | Generally forfeited. The plan may allow a carryover (up to $680 for plan years beginning in 2026) or a grace period of up to 2.5 months, not both |
| Penalty for too much | 6% excise tax each year on an excess contribution | The plan will not accept an election above the limit |
What this checker tests
- That your plan is an HDHP for 2026: the deductible and out-of-pocket numbers, or a bronze or catastrophic Exchange plan.
- That you are not enrolled in Medicare and cannot be claimed as someone else's dependent.
- That you have no general-purpose health FSA or HRA, yours or a spouse's that can pay your costs.
- That you have no other disqualifying health coverage.
It does not check state tax treatment, which differs, and it cannot see your plan documents. Treat a pass as a reason to confirm, not a guarantee. If it passes, work out how much you can put in with the HSA contribution limit calculator. If it fails, the FSA calculator helps you decide how much to elect.
Sources and date checked
Every number and rule on this page comes from the pages below, read on October 14, 2026. If a source changes, this page can be out of date until it is rechecked.
- IRS Publication 969, Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans (for 2025 returns, shows 2026 limits)
HSA eligibility, other health coverage, limited-purpose and post-deductible FSAs, Medicare, dependents, the FSA grace period and carryover.
- IRS Publication 15-B (2026), Employer's Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits
2026 HDHP deductible and out-of-pocket numbers; the $3,400 health FSA limit.
- Rev. Proc. 2025-19 (2026 HSA inflation adjustments)
2026 HSA contribution limits.
- IRS Notice 2026-5 (expanded availability of HSAs under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act)
Bronze and catastrophic Exchange plans treated as HDHPs for months after December 31, 2025.
- Rev. Proc. 2025-32 (2026 inflation adjustments, section 125 and 132(f))
The $680 maximum health FSA carryover for plan years beginning in 2026.
Not tax advice. This page is general information built from IRS publications, not advice for your situation. Plan rules, state law and your own facts can change the answer. Confirm with your plan administrator or a tax professional before you act.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an HSA and an FSA at the same time?
Not with a general-purpose health FSA. IRS Publication 969 says an employee covered by an HDHP and a health FSA or HRA that pays or reimburses qualified medical expenses can't generally contribute to an HSA. You can pair an HSA with a limited-purpose FSA (dental, vision and preventive care) or a post-deductible FSA, and a dependent care FSA is a different benefit again.
What is a limited-purpose FSA?
A health FSA restricted to dental, vision and preventive care, so it does not count as other health coverage that would block HSA contributions. Ask your employer whether they offer one; many offer only the general-purpose type.
Which is better, an HSA or an FSA?
If you qualify, the HSA keeps unused money and goes with you when you change jobs, and the 2026 limit is higher ($4,400 self-only, $8,750 family) than the FSA's $3,400. But an HSA requires a high deductible plan, which can cost more out of pocket if you use a lot of care. The FSA is available with any plan your employer offers it with, but money left at year end is generally forfeited. Which is better depends on the plans you are actually offered.
What counts as a high deductible health plan in 2026?
A deductible of at least $1,700 for self-only or $3,400 for family coverage, and an out-of-pocket maximum no higher than $8,500 or $17,000. Starting with months after December 31, 2025, bronze and catastrophic plans bought through an Exchange also count (IRS Notice 2026-5).
Does my spouse's FSA affect my HSA?
It can. Publication 969 says you can still be an eligible individual if your spouse has non-HDHP coverage, provided that coverage does not cover you. A spouse's general-purpose health FSA or HRA that can reimburse your expenses is that kind of coverage, so confirm with the plan before contributing.
What if I contributed to an HSA when I was not eligible?
Excess contributions draw a 6% excise tax for each year they stay in the account, and amounts tied to a failed testing period are taxable income plus a 10% additional tax. Ask your HSA custodian how to withdraw an excess before the filing deadline, and see a tax professional.
Related tools and guides
- HSA contribution limit calculatorYour 2026 limit by month of coverage.
- FSA calculatorHow much to elect and when the money expires.
- Dependent care FSA vs tax creditAnother pre-tax benefit, compared with the credit.
- Dependent care FSA guideLimits and eligible expenses for 2026.
- FSA and HSA product bundle builderPut a balance to use on eligible items.