Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts

You can now save money on healthcare costs with a Health Care Flexible Spending Account! This pre-tax account lets you set aside up to $3,300 from your paycheck before taxes each year. You may be able to use this money to pay for costs that TRICARE doesn't cover.

 

Remember: Your TRICARE benefit is separate from an HCFSA. Just because you have TRICARE doesn't mean you're automatically enrolled in an HCFSA.

 

If you're in the military, you can sign up for an HCFSA for the first time between March 3 and March 31, 2025. After that, you'll need to sign up each year during open season at FSAFEDS.gov if you want to keep using an HCFSA.

 

Who is eligible?

  • Members of the regular (active) component,
  • Members of the reserve component performing Active Guard Reserve duty pursuant to Title 10,
  • Members of the National Guard performing Active Guard Reserve duty pursuant to Title 32,
  • Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, including Reserve Component Managers, when performing active duty for more than 180 days. 

What are some common expenses?

  • Medical – copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles
  • Dental – exams, cleanings, X-rays, and braces
  • Vision – exams, contact lenses and supplies, eyeglasses, and laser eye surgery
  • Wellness services – massage therapy, chiropractor, and acupuncture
  • Prescription medications and prescribed over-the-counter medications
  • Over-the-counter healthcare items – bandages, pregnancy tests, blood pressure monitors

The IRS determines what expenses are considered eligible. You can find a complete list of eligible and ineligible expenses at FSAFEDS.gov.

 

I already have TRICARE. Why would I consider an HCFSA?

 

An HCFSA helps you save money on health costs.

 

If you have TRICARE Prime:

  • You can use your HCFSA funds to buy drugstore healthcare products at the store.
  • You can pay for wellness care like chiropractors, acupuncture, and massages that TRICARE doesn't cover.

If you have TRICARE Select:

  • You can use your HCFSA funds to pay your deductibles and copayments.
  • You can also buy health products and pay for wellness care.

Want to learn more about using an HCFSA with TRICARE? Visit https://finred.usalearning.gov/Benefits#Flexible-Spending-Accounts.

 

How do I enroll in an HCFSA?

 

Participants must enroll in an HCFSA through FSAFEDS during Federal Benefits Open Season. However, there are some life circumstances, called Qualifying Life Events, that allow you to change your election throughout the calendar year. To learn more about QLEs, and enrollment in an HCFSA, visit FSAFEDS.gov

 

Learn more

  • Visit the Office of Financial Readiness: https://finred.usalearning.gov/Benefits#Flexible-Spending-Accounts for a comprehensive list of searchable FAQs and other helpful resources.
  • For service members in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Space Force, a personal financial manager or counselor can help you consider your options and build a spending plan. Connecting with a PFM or PFC is easy and free. 
  • A tax consultant can help you examine how an DCFSA might benefit you and your family. You have access to a free tax consultation through MilTax via Military OneSource.
For Coast Guard members, speak to a Coast Guard PFC or consult CG SUPRT to access a free tax consultation.

Last Updated 1/21/2025