Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are financial tools designed to help individuals manage and save for their healthcare expenses. HSAs are typically paired with high-deductible health insurance plans and offer a triple tax advantage: contributions are tax-deductible, the funds grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free. This makes HSAs a powerful long-term savings vehicle for healthcare costs. In contrast, FSAs are employer-sponsored accounts that allow employees to set aside pre-tax dollars to cover eligible medical expenses. While both HSAs and FSAs can be used for medical expenses such as doctor visits, prescription medications, and certain medical procedures, they have key differences. HSAs are more portable, as the account is owned by the individual and can be carried over from year to year, even if they change employers. On the other hand, FSAs often have a "use it or lose it" provision, meaning that any unused funds at the end of the plan year may be forfeited, although some employers offer a grace period or a carryover option. Understanding the nuances of HSAs and FSAs is crucial for individuals seeking to optimize their healthcare-related financial planning.

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