FSA or Flexible Spending Account is an account that lets you set aside a portion of your paycheck before taxes are taken out. This money can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses, which is why many people are wondering if an FSA orthodontist is a thing. Does my FSA cover orthodontics?

There are some things you need to know about this. In general, FSAs cover all kinds of medical expenses that are necessary for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease. And while this includes some dental procedures, it doesn’t necessarily cover all orthodontic treatments in Tacoma.

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the correction of mispositioned teeth and jaws. It’s a type of dental treatment that can help improve the appearance of your smile and the overall function of your teeth.

There are two main types of orthodontic treatment: braces and aligners. Braces are the more traditional type of orthodontic treatment. They’re made up of metal brackets that are bonded to your teeth, and they use wires to move your teeth into the correct position. They can also be made from ceramic for a more subtle look.

Modern braces come in many forms, self-ligating, Damon, metal, ceramic braces, and light force types. They are one of the most recommended treatments by orthodontists as they treat all types of malocclusions, from very minor to complex ones.

Aligners, on the other hand, are the newest type of orthodontic treatment. They’re clear, plastic trays that are custom-made to fit over your teeth. They gently move your teeth into the correct position over time.

What is FSA?

As mentioned earlier, an FSA or a Flexible Spending Account is an account that lets you set aside a portion of your paycheck before taxes are taken out. They are limited to $2,850 per year per employer. The money in your FSA can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses.

In general, you need to use the money in your FSA within the year, or you will lose it. Despite this, there are some employers who offer a grace period of 2.5 months, which means you have until March 15th of the following year to use the money in your FSA.

Facts About FSA Orthodontist

#1 – An FSA is different from an HSA.

An FSA is not the same as an HSA or Health Savings Account. With an HSA, you can set aside money for medical expenses, but the money can be used for other things, such as dental expenses and orthodontics. With an FSA, the money can only be used for medical expenses.

#2 – Most dental procedures are covered by an FSA.

In general, most dental procedures are covered by an FSA. This includes the following:

Cleanings
Fillings and Sealants
Root Canals
Tooth Extraction
Inlays and Onlays
Bonding
Crowns
Gingivitis Treatments
Oral surgery

#3 – FSAs do not cover cosmetic dentistry.

While most dental procedures are covered by an FSA, there are some that are not. Cosmetic dentistry is not covered by an FSA. This includes the following:

Teeth Whitening
Veneers
Implants
Orthodontics (if used as a cosmetic dental procedure)

#4 – FSAs may cover orthodontics IF your doctor says it’s medically necessary.

If your orthodontic treatment is considered medically necessary by your doctor, then your FSA may cover it. In order for orthodontics to be considered medically necessary, your doctor must prove that it’s needed for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease.

The following are some examples of when orthodontics may be considered medically necessary:

You have an overbite that’s causing pain in your jaw.
You have an underbite that’s making it difficult to chew.
Your teeth are crowding and causing pain.
You have a birth defect that has caused malocclusion.
You had an accident that caused malocclusion.

If you want your FSA to cover your orthodontic treatment, you will need to get a letter from your orthodontist that proves that it’s medically necessary. Then, you will need to submit the letter to your FSA administrator for approval.

FSA administrators have the final say on whether or not a treatment is covered. They will look at the letter from your orthodontist and decide if the treatment is medically necessary.

#6 – If approved, your FSA will only cover a portion of the cost.

If your FSA administrator approves your orthodontic treatment, they will only cover a portion of the cost.

For example, let’s say that your orthodontic treatment will cost $5,000. Let’s also say that your FSA will cover 50% of the cost. In this case, you would be responsible for paying $2,500 and your FSA would cover $2,500.

It’s important to keep in mind that FSAs have a limit of $2,850 per year. This means that if you have other medical expenses that are covered by your FSA, the amount that’s available to cover your orthodontic treatment will be less.

Get the Best Orthodontic Treatment in Tacoma, Federal Way, and Southcenter WA

If you’re looking for FSA orthodontist info or the best orthodontic treatment in Tacoma, Federal Way, and Southcenter WA, look no further than Pacific Northwest Orthodontics! Our doctors and the team can help you process your claim if your treatment is covered by an FSA.

We also offer financing options to make orthodontic treatment more affordable. We understand that not everyone has an FSA and that’s why we offer in-house financing and other payment options. If you have an insurance plan that doesn’t cover orthodontics, we can help you file a claim.

At Pacific Northwest Orthodontics, you can find all kinds of services you may need, such as traditional braces in Tacoma, Invisalign®, AcceleDent, early treatment, emergency care, and more. No matter what your orthodontic needs are, we can help!

Contact us today to know more about using FSA funds to cover orthodontic treatment or schedule a free consultation! You can also visit our website for more information. We look forward to hearing from you!

FSA Orthodontist: Does Your Medical FSA Cover Orthodontics?