What is an HSA?
An HSA, or Health Savings Account, is a bank account you can use to pay eligible health care expenses.
You may be eligible for an HSA if you enroll in the High Deductible Health Plan, also called the HDHP.
Think of an HSA as a health care savings account that you own. You can add money to it, use it for eligible expenses, or let the money stay in the account for future health care costs.
How an HSA works
- You must be enrolled in the HDHP to contribute to an HSA.
- You own the account.
- Money can be used for eligible medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug expenses.
- Unused money can roll over from year to year.
- You decide when to use the money.
- HSA funds are available only after money has been deposited into the account.
- Maple Leaf Farms may match your HSA contributions up to a specific annual amount.
- The HSA match amount may vary by employee group, so review your benefit guide or highlight document.
Important HSA setup reminder
- Once you are covered by the HDHP, set up your HSA as soon as possible.
- Expenses incurred before the HSA is set up generally cannot be reimbursed from the account. If you elect HSA payroll deductions, those deductions may begin once your HSA is set up.
- Save receipts in case of an IRS audits
HSA example
Alex enrolls in the HDHP and opens an HSA.
Later, Alex has a doctor visit and lab work. Alex can use HSA money to help pay eligible expenses. If Alex does not use all the money this year, the unused balance stays in the account for future health care expenses.
2026 HSA contribution limits
Health Care FSA
A Health Care FSA lets you set aside pre-tax money to pay eligible out-of-pocket health care expenses.
A Health Care FSA may be available if you enroll in the Traditional Plan.
How a Health Care FSA works
You choose an annual amount during open enrollment.
Money is deducted from your paycheck during the year.
The full annual election is generally available at the beginning of the plan year.
Funds are generally use-it-or-lose-it.
Receipts or documentation may be required.
What can I use it for?
Examples may include:
Deductibles
Copays
Coinsurance
Prescription drugs
Dental expenses, excluding cosmetic services
Orthodontia
Glasses, contacts, and eye exams
Lasik
Hearing aids
Certain over-the-counter medications and supplies
2026 Health Care FSA limit
Health Care FSA example
Maria enrolls in the Traditional Plan.
She expects doctor visits, prescriptions, and dental work during the year. She elects a Health Care FSA so she can use pre-tax money to help pay eligible expenses. Since FSA funds are generally use-it-or-lose-it, she chooses an amount she expects to use during the plan year.
Limited Purpose FSA
2026 Limited Purpose FSA limit
A Limited Purpose FSA is for employees enrolled in the HDHP.
It can be used for eligible dental and vision expenses only.
This can be useful if you want to save your HSA for medical expenses or future health care costs while using a Limited Purpose FSA for dental and vision needs.
What can I use it for?
Examples may include:
- Dental cleanings
- Dental copays or coinsurance
- Bridgework
- Gum surgery
- Orthodontia
- Eye exams
- Glasses
- Contacts
- Lasik
Limited Purpose FSA example
Chris enrolls in the HDHP.
Chris opens an HSA for medical expenses and future savings. Chris also expects to buy glasses and have dental work. Chris elects a Limited Purpose FSA to help pay eligible dental and vision expenses.
Dependent Care FSA
Dependent Care FSA is a pre-tax account that can help pay eligible dependent care expenses that allow you, or you and your spouse, to work.
This is not for medical bills. It is for eligible care expenses for dependents.
What can I use it for?
Examples may include:
Day care facility fees
Before- and after-school care
In-home babysitting fees
Nanny expenses
Summer day camp
Adult care facility fees
How reimbursement works
A Dependent Care FSA works differently than a Health Care FSA.
With a Health Care FSA, your full annual election is generally available at the beginning of the plan year.
With a Dependent Care FSA, you can generally only be reimbursed for money that has already been contributed to your account.
Dependent Care FSA example
Taylor has a child in after-school care.
Taylor elects a Dependent Care FSA during open enrollment. Each paycheck, money is added to the account. Taylor pays for after-school care and submits a claim for reimbursement. Taylor can be reimbursed up to the amount currently available in the account.
Key dates
Need help?
This page is a general overview. Your exact benefits, costs, coverage start dates, and eligibility rules may depend on your employee group, plan election, coverage level, and pay frequency. It is your responsibility to review your benefits, coverage elections, and covered dependents. Review your official benefit guide or highlight document, confirm your elections in UKG, or contact the Benefit Resource Center for help.
Health Savings and Spending Accounts