Dental Care: FSA Eligibility

Dental care for cosmetic purposes such as teeth whitening is not eligible.

Eligible expenses for Limited FSAs can vary. To find out exactly what your Limited FSA covers, contact your FSA administrator.

What dental care is covered by my benefits?

Dental care is a necessary facet of an individual's good health, from their own personal responsibilities to brush and floss each day to maintain the health of their teeth and gums, as well as the regular checkups and cleanings with a dentist or dental hygienist. These steps are pivotal for the prevention of tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, bad breath/tooth staining and other advanced health issues that could arise as a result of poor dental health.

In the world of consumer-directed healthcare accounts, dental care causes a great deal of confusion as to what is covered and what is regarded as simply necessary for "general health" purposes and therefore not eligible for reimbursement. For instance, common dental care items like toothbrushes, toothpastes and dental floss are considered "general health" products and not eligible for reimbursement, even though they contribute to the prevention of oral disease and other dental issues. Additionally, dental treatments like whitening and other cosmetic procedures are not eligible as they do not assist in the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of a legitimate medical condition.

Dental expenses reimbursed by consumer-directed healthcare accounts include the vast majority of treatments conducted at a dentist's office including X-rays, tooth extractions, fillings, dentures, caps, crowns, implants and fluoride treatments. In addition to these treatments, dental products eligible for reimbursement include dentures, denture adhesives/cleaning supplies/sealants, dental night guards and orthodontic wax. Ultimately, account holders should consult their benefits administrators before submitting claims for dental products or treatments to ensure that they will receive full reimbursement for their dental care concerns (Internal Revenue Service).