Quick Answer: Yes - you need an active HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) to benefit from Crates Health. Our service helps you use those pre-tax funds for wellness products you already buy.
Why You Need an HSA or FSA
Crates Health's value comes from helping you use pre-tax dollars for wellness purchases. Without an HSA or FSA, there's no pre-tax account to reimburse from - so the service wouldn't provide tax savings.
How to Know If You Have One
Check Your Benefits Card
If you have an HSA or FSA, your employer likely issued a benefits card. Look for "HSA," "FSA," or the name of an admin like HealthEquity, Optum, WEX, or Navia.
Check Your Pay Stub
Look for deductions labeled "HSA" or "FSA." If money is being taken out pre-tax for one of these accounts, you have one.
Ask Your HR Department
Your employer's HR or benefits team can tell you exactly what accounts are available to you.
Check During Open Enrollment
If you don't currently have an HSA or FSA, you can enroll during your company's open enrollment period (typically October-January). Ask about: - HSA: Requires a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) - FSA: Available with most employer health plans - just need to elect it
What If I Don't Have One?
If you don't have an HSA or FSA right now:
Wait for open enrollment and sign up for one through your employer
For HSA specifically: You can open one independently if you have an HDHP — through admins like Fidelity, HSA Bank, or HealthEquity
Ask your employer to offer an FSA if they don't already
Once you have an HSA or FSA set up, come back to Crates Health and start saving!
Crates Works with Both HSA and FSA
Whether you have an HSA, FSA, or both (e.g., HSA + Limited-Purpose FSA), Crates can help. The process is the same:
Get your LMN from Crates
Purchase your eligible wellness products (Crates is not a store — you buy products where you normally would)
Upload your itemized receipt to Crates and submit for reimbursement
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Still Need Help?
Not sure if you have an HSA or FSA? Chat with us or email [email protected] and we'll help you figure it out!