HSA vs FSA: What’s the Difference and How to Use Them at The Digital Health Store
Make Your Health Dollars Work Smarter
If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you already know they can save you money on out-of-pocket healthcare costs. But understanding the difference between an HSA and FSA—and how to use them for your health purchases online—can help you make the most of every dollar.
At The Digital Health Store, we make it easy to shop HSA and FSA-eligible products, from digital thermometers to wellness tech to cold/flu supplies, all while helping you stretch your pre-tax health savings.
What Is an HSA (Health Savings Account)?
- Tax-free contributions – The money you put in is not taxed.
- Tax-free growth – Interest or investment growth in your account is tax-free.
- Tax-free withdrawals – Funds used for qualified medical expenses are not taxed.
Who qualifies: To open an HSA, you must be enrolled in a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).
Best part: Unlike an FSA, your HSA funds roll over every year. There’s no “use it or lose it” rule, and you own the account even if you change jobs or insurance plans.
What Is an FSA (Flexible Spending Account)?
- You decide how much to contribute for the year (up to IRS limits).
- You can use the funds for qualified medical expenses like prescription medications, first-aid supplies, and more.
- Funds typically expire at the end of the year (some employers allow a short grace period or a small carryover amount).
Who qualifies: FSAs are only available through an employer, and usually can’t be taken with you if you change jobs.
HSA vs FSA: The Main Differences
| Feature | HSA | FSA |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Requires a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) | Offered by employer (no HDHP required) |
| Ownership | You own the account | Employer owns the account |
| Rollover | Funds roll over year to year | Funds may expire (“use it or lose it”) |
| Portability | Stays with you if you change jobs | Usually forfeited if you leave your job |
| Contribution Changes | Can be adjusted anytime | Set at the start of the year |
| Investments | Can earn interest or be invested | Cannot be invested |
How to Use Your HSA or FSA Online at The Digital Health Store
- Browse our HSA/FSA-eligible collection and look for the “Eligible” badge.
- Add items to your cart and use your HSA or FSA card just like a debit or credit card.
- Check out securely by entering your HSA/FSA card details at checkout.
- Save your receipt for records or reimbursement (if needed).
Tip: Some wellness products like smart scales or massage devices may qualify with a doctor’s note (Letter of Medical Necessity).
Examples of HSA- and FSA-Eligible Products
- Digital thermometers & blood pressure monitors
- First aid kits & bandages
- Contact lenses & eyeglass supplies
- Prenatal vitamins
- Health tracking devices
- Pain relief & recovery tools
Explore our full HSA/FSA-Eligible Collection →
Final Thoughts
Both HSAs and FSAs help you save money while prioritizing your health. The main difference lies in flexibility: HSAs offer long-term savings and rollover benefits, while FSAs provide short-term savings for immediate expenses.
Whether you’re managing chronic health needs or simply stocking your medicine cabinet, The Digital Health Store makes healthy spending easy.