Dental insurance can be a major asset when it comes to your oral health, but sometimes, it might not cover everything you need. And that’s where Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) come in.
You probably are already aware that these types of accounts can be used to pay medical expenses that aren’t covered by your regular insurance, like prescriptions, co-pays, and other out-of-pocket expenses. But did you know that they can also be used toward dental expenses?
What Are HSAs and FSAs?
At their core, HSAs and FSAs allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars to be used for qualified medical expenses. An HSA (Health Savings Account) is a kind of account that allows you to put aside a portion of your income pre-tax to pay for qualified medical expenses. To open and contribute to an HSA, you must be enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).
FSAs (Flexible Spending Account) are similar, with some key differences. These accounts are sponsored by employers, and they allow you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible medical expenses. The catch with FSAs is the “use it or lose it” rule, meaning you need to use the funds within the plan year or risk forfeiting them.
What About Dental Care?
Many people don’t realize that you can use your HSA or FSA for many dental expenses. The IRS allows for a broad range of dental treatments to be covered under these accounts, focusing on procedures deemed necessary while typically excluding cosmetic treatments.
Let’s look into the specifics of what’s covered and what’s not and how you can maximize the use of your HSA or FSA for your dental health.
Expenses That May Be Covered
Most dental expenses that are considered necessary for preventing or treating dental disease are eligible for payment with your HSA or FSA. Here’s a bulleted list to give you a clearer picture:
Routine check-ups and cleanings: These preventative treatments are considered essential for maintaining oral health and are covered expenses.
- Fillings and sealants: Necessary for treating cavities and preventing further decay.
- Root canals: Treats infected or decayed teeth.
- Crowns: Used to restore damaged teeth.
- Orthodontics: Includes braces and other treatments to correct teeth alignment, which can be crucial for oral health.
- Dentures: Necessary for those missing teeth, aiding in eating and speaking.
- Extractions: Sometimes, removing a tooth is unavoidable for the overall health of your mouth.
This list is not exhaustive, but it highlights common treatments that your HSA or FSA funds can cover, emphasizing the accounts’ flexibility in managing dental care costs.
Expenses That May Not Be Covered
However, not all dental expenses are eligible for HSA or FSA reimbursement. Typically, procedures that are entirely cosmetic in nature and doer-the-counter products (unless covered by a prescription) are not covered. The following are examples of expenses that generally do not qualify:
- Teeth Whitening
- Veneers
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Mouthwash
Maximizing Your Money
Why should you consider using your HSA or FSA for dental care? For starters, these accounts offer financial advantages by using pre-tax dollars, lowering your taxable income, and ultimately saving you money. Additionally, leveraging these accounts can help bridge the gap in dental insurance coverage, providing a safety net for unexpected dental expenses. It’s a way to make your dental care more affordable and manageable, giving you one less thing to worry about.
You should always verify with your HSA or FSA administrator what’s considered an eligible expense, as this can vary. If you’re considering dental treatments and wondering how best to utilize your HSA or FSA, we’re here to help. And remember, we also offer financing options to bridge the gap between what your insurance and HSA/FSA can’t cover or to cover ineligible expenses like cosmetic treatments.
Book an appointment with us today, and let’s navigate your dental care options together.