What is a primary benefit of a flexible spending account (FSA)?

A flexible spending account (FSA) is designed primarily to allow employees to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible healthcare expenses. This feature is particularly advantageous as it reduces the taxable income of the employee, which can lead to significant tax savings. By using pre-tax money for out-of-pocket health-related costs, employees can effectively lower their overall healthcare expenses.

This mechanism encourages individuals to take control of their healthcare spending and can help in budgeting for out-of-pocket expenses throughout the year, such as copayments, deductibles, and qualified medical supplies. The ability to use pre-tax funds makes healthcare more affordable for employees, which is considered one of the key benefits of an FSA.