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Patient tool · HSA & FSA

Health FSA election planner

Pick a health FSA amount that saves taxes without risking money you'd lose.

Editorial review in progress · How we review

Uses 2026 figures
Expected costs next year
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Your top federal bracket. Most households earning $50k–$200k are in the 12%, 22% or 24% bracket.

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Enter 0 if your state has no income tax (for example Texas, Florida or Washington).

Your results will appear here.
Adjust the numbers, then press Calculate.

Assumptions
  • 2026 health FSA limit: $3,400; plans may allow up to $680 to carry over into 2027 (IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32).
  • FSA money comes out of pay before federal, state (in most states) and FICA taxes. The suggested amount is your expected costs, capped at the limit.
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A health Flexible Spending Account (FSA) lets you pay for medical costs with money taken out of your paycheck before taxes. The catch is that unused money can be lost at the end of the year. This planner helps you pick an amount that captures the tax savings without risking much.

How it works

Start by estimating what you'll spend next year on copays and deductibles, prescriptions, dental care, glasses or contacts, and anything else that's eligible. The calculator adds them up and suggests that total, capped at the 2026 limit of $3,400.

Then enter the amount you're thinking about. The calculator shows:

  • Tax savings at your federal, state and payroll tax rates.
  • Money at risk: what you'd elect beyond your expected costs. If your plan allows a carryover, up to $680 of leftover money rolls into 2027 and isn't counted as at risk.
  • Net benefit: tax savings minus the money at risk.

If your plan has a grace period instead, you get about two and a half extra months to spend leftover money, which helps if you have care planned early in the year.

Example

Jordan expects $2,000 in eligible costs and is thinking of electing $2,500. At a 22% bracket plus 4% state tax and 7.65% payroll tax, the $2,500 election saves about $841.

With a $680 carryover, the extra $500 isn't lost. With a use-it-or-lose-it plan, $500 is at risk, and Jordan's net benefit drops to about $341. Electing $2,000 would be the safer choice.

A practical tip

Look at last year's receipts and explanation-of-benefits statements. Your real spending is the best guide to next year's election.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What's the 2026 health FSA limit?

You can elect up to $3,400 for 2026. If you're married, each spouse can elect up to the limit through their own employer.

What can I spend FSA money on?

Most medical, dental and vision costs: copays, deductibles, prescriptions, glasses and contacts, and many over-the-counter items. Your FSA administrator has the full list.

Can I change my election during the year?

Usually only after a qualifying life event, such as marriage, a new baby or a change in employment. Otherwise your election is set for the plan year.

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