Can I use my HSA or FSA for braces or Invisalign® treatment? | Kristo Orthodontics (2024)

FAQs

Can I use my HSA or FSA for braces or Invisalign® treatment? | Kristo Orthodontics? ›

Get ready to smile! The answer is yes. In most cases, you can use your HSA or FSA to pay for any part of your orthodontic treatment that isn't covered by your dental insurance or any other plan.

Invisalign orthodontics reimbursem*nt is eligible with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursem*nt arrangement (HRA) or a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA).

If you're looking to save money on orthodontic treatment, an HSA can be a valuable option. While not all insurance plans cover orthodontics, HSAs can be used to pay for this and other qualified medical expenses, helping you save money on healthcare costs by using pre-taxed income.

In most cases, yes, you can use your HSA or FSA for eligible orthodontic treatment. Only the portion of your orthodontic payments(s) not paid by your dental insurance or any other plan may be considered an eligible expense.

According to the IRS, “payments of fees to doctors, dentists, surgeons …” and other medical practitioners are tax deductible. This means that the orthodontic work you receive is a qualified medical expense, including any work done on your spouse or dependents.

Funds from a flexible spending account (FSA) cannot be used for teeth whitening expenses. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses, which specifically excludes various medical expenses spent on unnecessary cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening.

Because teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure, it is not considered an HSA-eligible expense. If you take out money to cover teeth whitening, you will have to pay taxes and a penalty. If you want to handle stains caused by fluoride or tetracycline, an option that is covered by HSA is a veneer.

Additionally, you can use your FSA or HSA to pay for Invisalign treatment using tax-free dollars. For more information about payment options available with Invisalign treatment, see Insurance and Payment Options.

On average, a complete Invisalign treatment costs around $3,000 to $8,000, depending on the severity and duration of the case. But how much is Smile Direct Club? This treatment starts at about $1,850 per treatment. However, being cheap doesn't mean it's the best choice for your dental needs.

The IRS, Internal Revenue Service, has deemed LASIK an eligible expense. FSAs and HSAs are popular options for financing LASIK, helping patients to save for their surgery while making a smart long-term investment in their vision using tax-free funds.

Can I use HSA for glasses? ›

Both FSA and HSA pre-tax health accounts can be used to pay for prescription glasses, contact lenses, eye exams and more. Eyewear that corrects your vision is considered a medical product, which means you can use your health plans to help cover the cost.

Smile Direct Club also accepts HSA, FSA, and CareCredit. Depending on your insurance, your plan may or may not cover a portion of your treatment cost from Smile Direct Club.

Dental implants are an FSA eligible expense. That means that you can use any remaining funds in your FSA to help pay for the procedure. Redemption policies vary, depending on your FSA. Some patients receive a debit card they can use for certain FSA authorized expenses.

For most people, the cost of braces without insurance can go as high as $7,000 to $10,000. That includes both the cost of the braces themselves and any additional fees. This includes things like X-rays and fitting appointments. Some orthodontists may charge a flat rate that covers all associated costs.

Medically Necessary orthodontic treatment involves the correction of the dental component of a craniofacial abnormality that results in a Handicapping Malocclusion and is intended to restore a functional dentition.

Understanding HSA and FSAs

Advantages: With an HSA, you can save money from your paycheck before taxes are taken out. This cash can be used for medical expenses, including dental, vision, and even prescriptions.

Absolutely, you can use your HSA or FSA to pay for Invisalign aligners based on the same criteria listed above. While typically more expensive than braces, Invisalign aligners are practically invisible and removable, making them a great option for many Kristo Orthodontic patients— especially teens and adults.

For instance, cosmetic dental procedures such as teeth whitening or veneers are generally not covered by HSAs or medical FSAs.

1. Traditional Braces. Traditional braces have been around for decades and remain one of the most popular Invisalign alternatives today. They're highly effective and relatively affordable, making them an attractive option for many people looking to straighten their teeth.