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Flex spending accounts can be a game-changer for dental care. You can use your FSA to pay for dental expenses, and it's a great way to save money on out-of-pocket costs.
Here are some key details to keep in mind: You can use your FSA to pay for dental expenses such as fillings, crowns, and root canals. Some dental procedures, like orthodontia and cosmetic dentistry, may not be eligible for FSA funds.
You can use your FSA to pay for dental expenses even if you have dental insurance. However, be aware that some dental insurance plans may have waiting periods or deductibles that apply to FSA-eligible expenses.
What FSAs Cover
Oral surgeries that are necessary are generally included in FSAs, but it's best to check with your policy provider to find out.
You can use your FSA to cover some of the costs of oral surgery.
Braces are often partially covered by FSAs, which can help supplement any part of your treatment that isn't covered by dental insurance.
It's essential to check your policy provider to confirm what specific oral surgeries are covered by your FSA.
FSAs can be a huge help in covering the costs of orthodontic treatment, like braces.
FSAs for Dental
You can use your FSA to supplement any part of your braces treatment that isn't covered by dental insurance. In fact, FSAs can be used for a wide range of dental expenses, including fillings, sealants, crowns, dentures, teeth cleaning, and tooth extraction.
Invisalign orthodontics are eligible with a general medical flexible spending account (FSA), as well as a limited care flexible spending account (LCFSA).
Here are some other dental expenses that are covered by FSAs:
- Fillings
- Sealants
- Crowns
- Dentures
- Teeth Cleaning
- Tooth Extraction
- Oral Exams
- X-rays
Keep in mind that treatments aimed at alleviating dental diseases and infections, such as root canals, cures for gingivitis and gum recession, as well as other forms of oral surgery, are also covered by FSAs.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are a great way to save on taxes and pay for qualified expenses. An FSA is a special account that your employer puts away to cover certain out-pocket health care costs including medical and dental.
You can use funds in your FSA to pay for certain medical and dental expenses for you, your spouse if you're married, and your dependents. This includes dental procedures like fillings, sealants, crowns, dentures, teeth cleaning, tooth extraction, oral exams, and x-rays.
The limit is $2,675 per year per employer, and you can spend FSA funds to pay deductibles and copayments, but not for monthly insurance premiums. You can also spend FSA funds on prescriptions.
Here are some key takeaways about FSAs:
- In the tax year 2023, the FSA contribution level maximum was $3,050, with a carryover amount of $610.
- For tax year 2024, the FSA contribution level increased to $3,200, and the carryover amount increased to $640.
- An FSA is a "use it or lose it" benefit, so you lose the money in your account if you don't spend it by a specific date.
- Anything related to cosmetic dentistry is automatically not covered by an FSA.
- Dental care reimbursement is not eligible if you have a dependent care FSA.
By using an FSA, you can take home a larger paycheck by reducing your taxable income. And, you don't have to pay tax on the money you put into your FSA, making it a great way to save on taxes and pay for qualified expenses.
Cost of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is not a covered expense under an FSA, as it's considered an unnecessary cosmetic procedure. The IRS specifically excludes it in Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses.
Unfortunately, this means you won't be able to use your FSA funds for teeth whitening.
Types of Accounts
There are three types of FSAs: a (general) health care FSA, a limited expense health care FSA, and a dependent care FSA.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recognizes these different types of FSAs, as stated in their publication 502: Medical and Dental Expenses.
A general health care FSA allows you to set aside money for medical expenses, including dental care, which can be a huge help for those with significant dental bills.
The IRS provides tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2023, which may impact the amount you can contribute to your FSA.
A limited expense health care FSA is similar to a general health care FSA, but with more restrictions on what expenses are eligible.
The IRS also provides tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2024, which may impact the amount you can contribute to your FSA.
A dependent care FSA is designed to help with expenses related to caring for a dependent, such as a child or elderly parent.
According to Healthcare.gov, a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) can be used for a variety of expenses, including dental care.
Here are the three types of FSAs in a nutshell:
FSAs and Expenses
FSAs can be used for a wide range of dental expenses, including teeth cleaning, fillings, crowns, and dentures. You can also use FSA funds for treatments aimed at alleviating dental diseases and infections, such as root canals and oral surgery.
The IRS specifies that any procedure which is cosmetic in nature is automatically not covered by an FSA. Unfortunately, this means that cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening and veneers are disqualified.
FSAs can be used for medical and dental expenses, including diagnostic and preventative services. Treatments aimed at alleviating dental diseases and infections are covered, such as root canals and cures for gingivitis and gum recession.
Here are some examples of dental expenses that are eligible for FSA coverage:
- Teeth cleaning
- Fillings
- Crowns
- Dentures
- Teeth extraction
- Inlays and onlays
- Periodontal therapies
It's essential to note that FSAs can differ depending on your employer's plan sponsor, so if you're unclear about whether or not a procedure is covered, it's best to contact HR or the sponsor and carefully review your policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dental services are not covered by FSA?
FSAs do not cover cosmetic dental procedures, such as teeth whitening, veneers, and cosmetic orthodontics
Sources
- https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/120215/can-flexible-spending-account-fsa-be-used-dental.asp
- https://theperfectsmilekc.com/flexible-spending-account/
- https://ppierodds.com/using-your-flexible-spending-account-fsa-for-dental-care/
- https://sehp.healthbenefitsprogram.ks.gov/benefits/tax-advantaged-accounts/fsa
- https://theperfectsmilekc.com/fsa-qa/
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