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Many US employers hold benefits open enrollment in October or November. It’s usually your one chance each year to change health plans and set up tax-free accounts.
Plan types:
Plan
How it works
PPO
More doctor choice, higher premiums
HMO
Lower cost, need referrals, in-network only
High-deductible (HDHP)
Lower premiums, higher deductible, HSA-eligible
HSA vs FSA:
HSA
FSA
Needs
High-deductible plan
Employer offering
Rolls over?
Yes, forever
Mostly no (limited carryover)
Yours if you leave?
Yes
No
2027 limit
$4,500 self / $9,000 family
Set annually by IRS
Common mistakes:
Choosing only by lowest premium
Forgetting to add a spouse or dependents
Putting too much in an FSA and losing it
Missing the deadline and getting defaults
Frequently asked questions
What is the HSA limit for 2027?
$4,500 for self-only coverage and $9,000 for family coverage.
Can I have both an HSA and FSA?
Usually only a limited-purpose FSA alongside an HSA.
Can I change plans after open enrollment?
Only with a qualifying life event, like marriage or a birth.
USA Life Nest Editorial Team
Written and reviewed by people who moved to the US as students, workers and families. We update guides when rules or prices change.
