At Jeffrey Kwong Orthodontics, my team and I believe everyone should have the opportunity to get a beautiful, healthy smile and the confidence that comes with it. That’s why we aim to make braces, InBrace®, and Invisalign affordable for our patients by accepting most insurance and offering flexible, interest-free financing options.
Looking for another way to reduce your braces or Invisalign cost in El Dorado Hills? The good news is, you might be able to use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for your or your child’s orthodontic care. Let’s dive in.
The Basics: What’s an HSA and FSA?
Before we cover the orthodontic details, let’s quickly touch on what these accounts are.
Health Savings Account (HSA)
An HSA is an account that lets you set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified medical expenses, including some dental, vision, orthodontic, and prescription drug expenses. To contribute to an HSA, you have to be enrolled in an HSA-eligible, High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). Any HSA funds you don’t spend, roll over year over year.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
An FSA is a little different. It’s a “use-it-or-lose-it” fund that’s part of an employer’s benefit package. You contribute pre-tax dollars to your FSA that can be used to pay for medical expenses. Unlike an HSA, however, the funds in an FSA have to be spent within the plan year. They don’t roll over.
Can You Use Your HSA for Braces or Invisalign?
Yes! In most cases, you can use your HSA for Invisalign, braces, InBrace, and other orthodontic appliances for yourself or your dependents. Any portion of treatment that’s not paid for by your dental insurance may be considered eligible.
Can You Use Your FSA for Invisalign or Braces?
Absolutely. You can also use your FSA for braces, InBrace, and Invisalign in the majority of cases. Again, your FSA funds can be applied to the out-of-pocket fees not covered by insurance.
How Do I Use FSA/HSA Dollars for Orthodontic Treatment?
The first step is contacting your account provider to ensure orthodontic treatment is covered (it usually is) and determining how to use your specific plan.
When using an HSA for Invisalign or braces, you’ll generally pay with your HSA debit card, just like you would any credit card. Sometimes though, plans ask that you pay upfront and then submit a receipt for reimbursement.
When using your FSA for orthodontic treatment, you’ll usually submit a claim through your employer with proof of the orthodontic expense, as well as a statement that shows what portion wasn’t covered by insurance.
In either case, my team and I will provide you with the necessary receipts to make the process easy.
Can I Combine Insurance, HSA/FSA Funds, and Financing to Pay for Treatment?
At Jeffrey Kwong Orthodontics, you can take advantage of all three options. First, if you have dental insurance that covers braces or Invisalign, we’ll help you determine your coverage. If, say, your plan pays for 50% of treatment, up to $1,500, we’ll deduct the $1,500 from the total cost.
From there, you can pay the balance with your HSA or FSA. Or, if you’re interested in financing clear aligners or braces, we’ll work with you to create a plan that fits your budget. You can use your funds to pay your monthly payments instead.
Book a Consultation With an El Dorado Hills Orthodontist
Now that you know the basics of using your HSA or FSA for orthodontics, are you ready to explore your treatment options? Book a complimentary consultation at Jeffrey Kwong Orthodontics today to get started!
