Use It or Lose It/ Maximize Your FSA Benefits

Do you know that the FSA rules regarding ‘use it or lose it’ have changed? If you participate in this program, you now roll over some amount of money you have not used at the end of the plan year.

The IRS regulated these rules after the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure all FSA holders benefit fully from their contributions. Only a small percentage of employees who participate in the FSA program reach or exceed their plans’ annual maximum. This is according to the National Association of Dental Plans.

You may be aware that your FSA benefits will run out by the end of the year. If you have not reached your FSA annual maximum yet, do not let your hard-earned cash go to waste. You can use your FSA to make your end-of-year appointment with your dentist. Here are some examples of how you can use your FSA on dental expenses.

Preventive Visits

You do not always have to wait to get a dental problem to visit your dentist. Dentists recommend oral checkups at least twice a year. During these visits, your dentists will examine your oral health to check for any underlying issues. You can also ask your dentist to clean your teeth. Most FSAs typically pay 100 percent for preventive visits.

Restorative Dental Work

Do you want to improve your smile? You can schedule restorative dental work, such as fillings and crowns. Avoiding treatments only increases the risk of your dental condition becoming worse, which will cost more eventually. What may seem like a simple cavity can worsen only for you to need a root canal later.

Split Your Treatments

Do you consider undergoing a complex dental procedure? This is the right time to split your treatment procedures. For example, if you plan to get a dental implant, you can schedule the initial procedure before the end of the year. Your dentist can perform the rest of the process come next year. The initial procedure normally costs more. This way, you can meet your FSA maximum benefits.

Make the Most of Your FSA

If you are not sure what dental needs your FSA covers, you can check with your FSA provider. Most professional dentists also investigate this information for their clients. General dental needs that you can pay for with your FSA money include:

• Orthodontia.
• Oral surgery.
• Cleanings and fluoride treatments.
• Fillings.
• Co-pays.
• Bonding, sealants, crowns, bridges.
• Mouthguards.
• TMJ treatment.

Knowing what your FSA covers allows you to plan better. You can also calculate how much money you want to go into your FSA.

Expenses That Are Not Covered by FSA

FSAs do not cover any dental cosmetic procedures. FSAs only cover dental procedures that treat diseases. If you want veneers or teeth whitening, you must pay from your pocket. However, just to be sure, you can talk to your FSA provider to find out the general rules provided by the IRS regarding dental treatments. Not all FSAs are the same. Some plans vary.

To know how to maximize your FSA benefits, visit Cal Oaks Dental at our office in Murrieta, California. You can also call (951) 501-4900 to book an appointment today.