Paying for Braces with FSA Funds

Millions of Americans undergo orthodontic care each year to achieve a healthy smile. If you or a member of your family need braces, you may already be planning how to pay for them. That’s where a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) can come in handy.    

FSA and HSA Basics

Many employers offer HSAs and FSAs as part of their annual insurance benefits, enabling you to set aside pre-tax contributions to pay for qualified medical or dental expenses for anyone covered by your plan. HSAs and FSAs cover a wide range of dental expenses, including cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings/sealants, crowns, dentures, braces, Invisalign, retainers and all diagnostic or preventative services, like X-rays and scans. You can even use HSA or FSA funds to cover any down payments or monthly payments for treatment if they’re not already covered by insurance.

FSAs are considered “use it or lose it” accounts, meaning you must use most or all of the available funds before the end of each calendar year. Some plans may allow you to roll over a small portion of unused funds each year. HSAs are more like personal savings accounts that can accumulate over time and roll over indefinitely. While HSAs are only available with high-deductible health insurance plans, they can help you pay for eligible health care expenses and out-of-pocket costs easily while lowering your taxes and even saving for retirement.

Do FSAs and HSAs work with my dental insurance?

Yes! Combining your FSA or HSA money with your dental insurance is a great way to manage your orthodontic costs. For example, if the treatment cost is $4,000 and your insurance only covers $2,000, you can use $2,000 of your HSA or FSA money to cover the rest.

Keep in mind that some insurance providers exclude orthodontics from their dental coverage, while others cover treatment only for children aged 18 or younger. It’s important to review your plan’s terms to verify your coverage limits and understand if there is a waiting period before benefits begin. Your orthodontist can work with you and your insurance provider to help you better understand how to maximize your benefits as part of your overall treatment plan.

What other options are available?

At Fravel Brewer, we offer several flexible payment options, so you can get the treatment you and your family deserve. We offer discounts if you pay for your entire treatment upfront, or if you have multiple family members in treatment at the same time. We also proudly offer several financing options with affordable down payments and monthly payments.

Creating healthy smiles

Investing in braces now can pay off in greater confidence, self-esteem, and beautiful smiles. If you or a family member are considering using your HSA or FSA funds to pay for braces or Invisalign, please contact Fravel Brewer Orthodontics. We’ll help you determine your treatment goals and develop an affordable plan to help you get the beautiful, healthy smile you’ve always wanted.