Stretch every dollar. Support your health. Skip the red tape.

In an era of rising costs and shrinking benefit plans, a Health Spending Account (HSA) is one of the most flexible, tax-savvy tools Canadians have at their disposal. But what if your HSA isn’t huge?

Here’s the good news: even a modest HSA can be incredibly powerful—if you know how to use it.

Whether you’re working with $75 or $750 a month, these strategies will help you squeeze more value, cover what actually matters to you, and leave nothing on the table.

Coordinate with a spousal plan for double the power

If your partner has a benefits plan from an insurance company, you can combine it with your HSA for maximum coverage.

Here’s how:

• Submit a claim through your spouse’s plan first.
• Get partial reimbursement based on their rules (e.g., 80% dental).
• Submit the remaining balance through your HSA for full top-up.

Consider this: A $200 massage is covered at 80% by your partner’s plan. You claim the massage and receive $160. You then claim the remaining $40 through your HSA = 100% reimbursed, $0 out-of-pocket.

*Psst* Most people forget they can do this. By coordinating benefits, you’re essentially extending your HSA’s value by 20–50% without paying more.

Shop Smart: Don’t Just swipe a card

Traditional benefits make it easy to flash a card and let your insurance company pay your provider directly — but that convenience can cost you. When using your HSA, you’re spending real money (tax-free), so comparison shopping pays off.

Instead of defaulting to the nearest clinic:

• Compare dental rates across providers.  (At least tell your dentist your paying for the expense out of pocket)
• Check if your optician offers bundled deals or direct billing discounts.
• Look for bundled therapy sessions or introductory mental health packages.
• Ask for receipts instead of direct billing to shop around more freely.

Two optometrists may offer the same glasses for $100+ difference. With your HSA, you control how that money is spent—and saved.

P.S - if you have an HSA you can pay for services on your credit card and collect rewards points, increasing the value even more!

Prioritize high-impact expenses first

While a dollar is a dollar, spending your HSA wisely can help you make the biggest impact on your health (and wallet). Start with health-related costs that are either:

• Not covered at all by provincial plans, or
• Only partially reimbursed by a traditional benefits plan.

For most people, this means focusing on:

• Prescription medications
• Paramedical services (e.g., massage, physiotherapy, chiropractic)
• Dental cleanings and check-ups

These are often recurring needs and can quickly eat into your personal budget—using your HSA for these frees up cash in your pocket. Remember, health and dental expenses are transactional – they're predictable and low risk.

Know what’s eligible (It’s more than you think)

You’d be surprised how many everyday services qualify under an HSA. Beyond the basics, an HSA covers a very robust list of health and dental expenses. Knowing what is covered under an HSA gives you the ability to claim expenses you may not have thought possible.

Even small balances can be used tactically if you know what’s eligible. CRA Medical Expense Eligibility List is the resource for all HSA claim-related needs.

More questions about eligibility? Our Growth team has the experts to talk to!

Keep your receipts & be organized

On a tight budget, you don’t want to miss even a dollar of reimbursement. Make it a habit to:

• Save and photograph receipts immediately
• Upload claims as soon as they occur (we don’t charge a claim fee!)
• Track remaining HSA balances in your Member Centre

Staying organized helps you plan better, maximize value, and avoid scrambling at year-end.

Understand carry-over rules

Every HSA is different. You may have one that has the ability to carry expenses or funds into a future period.

If that’s the case, understanding the rules surrounding carrying forward will help you know whether to squeeze in purchases now, budget for next year, or a combination of both.

The carry-forward ability of an HSA is a huge game-changer for Members looking to practice financial wellness and get the most out of their compensation.

Don’t underestimate a small HSA

A Health Spending Account isn’t just a perk—it’s a personal health and financial strategy.

Even with a modest balance, you can:

• Stack coverage with a spousal plan
• Shop smarter and stretch further
• Access real support where you need it
• Build long-term wellness and wealth

So, before you dismiss your HSA as “too small to matter,” remember:

It’s not about how much you have. It’s how you use it.

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