The end of the year is approaching which means many of us are asking how to use flex dollars before the end of the year! Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA’s) are a tax-advantaged benefit offered by employers. Money contributed to a Medical FSA can only be used for medical purposes and any money contributed must be used in the same benefit year that contributions were made. If not, the money may end up forfeited, hence the phrase, use it or lose it! If you are one of those wondering how to use flex money before the end of the year, here are a few ideas.
How to Use Flex Money
First, determine what your balance is and when you need to have used it.
You can use your flex money for co-pays, coinsurance, or a variety of medical related services in the area of vision, dental, hearing, acupuncture, chiropractor, counseling, and even some service animal and medical transportation expenses. The IRS keeps a robust list of approved FSA expenses, which you can see here.
3 Ways to Use Flex Money at the Dentist
While visiting the dentist may not be at the top of your list, it’s an easy way to use some of that flex money. Here are three ways to use those flex dollars.
- Routine Cleaning – Your visit to the dentist for x-rays and cleaning, sealants and fluoride treatments is covered. Whether you are seen and treated by a dental hygienist or dentist, or both, if they are providing treatment to limit dental ailments, including gum disease and tooth decay, you are able to use your flex money.
- Corrective Work – Treatments to prevent or treat dental disease are generally allowed. Filings, crowns, bridges, implants, root canals, extractions, wisdom teeth removal, dentures and even braces are all included in approved expenses, as long as the corrective work isn’t purely cosmetic in nature.
- Dental Care for Your Spouse and/or Child – Any of the above services for your spouse or child are also eligible for payment with your flex money, as long as certain qualifications are met, as explained in IRS Publication 502.
If you still have questions about how to use flex money at the dentist, give us a call to discuss your unique needs and how we can help. Use your flex money before it is gone while also improving you and your family’s oral care needs. Contact a PERFECT TEETH dentist online to get scheduled today!
