Understanding HRA vs HSA: What You Need to Know

Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) are both types of accounts that can help you save for medical expenses, but they differ in key ways.

HRAs are employer-funded accounts that can only be used for qualified medical expenses, and the funds belong to the employer. On the other hand, HSAs are individual accounts that you own, and they are funded by you, your employer, or both.

One of the main differences between HRA and HSA is the rollover option. With an HRA, any unused funds typically do not roll over to the next year. In contrast, funds in an HSA can roll over year after year, allowing you to build a savings cushion for future medical expenses.

Another important distinction is the portability of the accounts. While HRAs are tied to your employer, HSAs are tied to you. This means that if you change jobs or retire, you can take your HSA with you and continue using it for medical expenses.

When it comes to eligibility, HRAs are offered by the employer, and they decide who is eligible to participate. HSAs, on the other hand, have eligibility requirements set by the IRS, including being covered by a high-deductible health plan (HDHP).

Both HRAs and HSAs offer tax advantages, such as contributions being tax-deductible and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses being tax-free. However, there are different contribution limits and rules for each account type.

Understanding the differences between a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) and a Health Savings Account (HSA) is crucial for anyone looking to effectively manage their healthcare expenses. HRAs are primarily funded by your employer, while HSAs are uniquely personal accounts that you can grow over time through contributions from you and your employer.