Open enrollment is your once-a-year chance to set up the accounts that pay for an eligible water filter. A little planning now means the funds are there when you buy. Here is how to plan contributions and time the purchase.
Plan ahead
Use open enrollment to fund the purchase deliberately. Decide whether an HSA or FSA fits, set contributions with a water filter in mind, and you will have pre-tax dollars ready when you buy.
Open enrollment is the annual window (commonly autumn, for coverage starting January 1) when you choose your health plan and elect HSA or FSA contributions for the year ahead. It is the main chance to set those elections, so it is worth a few minutes of planning if a water filter is on your list.
If you are enrolling in a qualifying high-deductible plan, an HSA lets you build a balance toward a larger whole-house system over time. If not, an FSA still works, but plan its annual election carefully. Our HSA vs FSA guide walks through the choice.
If you intend to buy this year, factor the system's cost (and any replacement filters) into your election. For an FSA, be realistic: elect enough to cover the purchase, but avoid over-electing money you cannot use before the year-end deadline. For an HSA, contributions roll over, so there is less risk in funding ahead.
With an FSA, funds are typically available up to your full annual election early in the year, so you can buy sooner rather than later. With an HSA, you may prefer to wait until your balance is sufficient, or use a split payment. Either way, remember the Letter of Medical Necessity requirement.
Once your account is funded, SpringWell's eligible systems issue the Letter of Medical Necessity at checkout.
Shop eligible systems →Yes, if you intend to buy. Choosing the right account and setting contributions with the system's cost in mind means the pre-tax funds are ready when you purchase.
Enough to cover the system and any replacement filters. For an FSA, avoid over-electing money you cannot spend before the year-end deadline; HSA funds roll over.
Often yes. FSA funds are typically available up to your full annual election early in the plan year, so you can purchase sooner.
