Flexible Spending Accounts Los Angeles, CA
Today, many employers offer a flexible spending account (FSA) as part of their benefits packages. Employees can use these funds to set aside money from each paycheck. FSAs cover most out-of-pocket health care expenses, including dental treatments.
Vatan Dental Group in Los Angeles and the surrounding area accepts FSAs. Our team works with your employer to confirm coverage. If you are confused about using your FSA, we can help you. Do not let your FSA expire. Call us at (310) 906-1300 to learn how to make the most of your funds.
How FSAs Work
FSAs help bridge any gaps that other health insurance plans leave behind by using tax-free funds to cover out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. At times, they can even help replace a traditional employer-provided health insurance plan. According to Investopedia, funds contributed to an FSA are deducted from the earnings before taxes, thus lowering one's overall taxable income. Consequently, regularly contributing to an FSA may reduce one's annual tax liability.
FSAs can also help supplement or replace a traditional employer-sponsored healthcare plan. In either case, the FSA's main purpose is to cover out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. These funds can go towards coinsurance, copayments, deductibles, and some prescription and over-the-counter drugs. FSAs can sometimes even go towards medical devices, such as crutches.
“FSAs can also help supplement or replace a traditional employer-sponsored healthcare plan.”
Pros and Cons of an FSA
The primary advantage of an FSA is tax savings. FSA funds are deducted before taxes, thus lowering an employee's overall taxable income. As a result, some actually find that an FSA increases their take-home pay. Additionally, FSA funds are always available and can even be linked to a debit card for extra convenience. FSAs also do not require pre-approval or additional paperwork.
Still, FSAs also come with their own set of disadvantages. For one thing, there is a limit to the amount of money that employees can contribute per year. For another, FSA funds are intrinsically linked to an employer – meaning employees cannot keep their current FSA if they change jobs.
“The primary advantage of an FSA is tax savings.”
Saving Money With an FSA
An FSA allows employees to set aside a certain amount of money from each paycheck. At most workplaces, enrollment in an FSA is available for only a limited amount of time. Employees should consult their employers for the full details on how to sign up for an FSA. It is also important to determine how much money they plan to save during the enrollment period.
Underestimating how much money one should save may cause one to miss out on tax savings, while overestimating may cause one to lose money. As such, each individual must consider their unique circumstances. Once they have enrolled, the set amount of money will be deducted from each paycheck. Funds expire on March 15 of the following year.
“An FSA allows employees to set aside a certain amount of money from each paycheck.”
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How to Use FSA Funds
Patients can use their FSA to cover most dental expenses, including routine care. But not all procedures and treatments are eligible. Before scheduling a dental procedure, patients should talk to their employer and plan provider. Cosmetic procedures, including cosmetic orthodontics, are usually not covered under an FSA. However, if a patient needs orthodontics for medical purposes, they might be allowed to use their FSA funds. Our dental team can work with your plan provider to determine coverage.
“Cosmetic procedures, including cosmetic orthodontics, are usually not covered under an FSA.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Can I use my FSA to pay for dental care?
Q. Where can I use my FSA funds?
Q. What are some of the pros and cons of an FSA?
Q. How can I save money with an FSA?
People Also Ask
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Q. How can someone determine what type of dentist or service they need?
Q. Do HSAs cover dental services?
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What Treatments and Procedures Are Eligible
FSAs cover a wide range of dental services, including:
- Routine cleanings
- Filling, sealants, and extractions
- Diagnostic and preventive care
- Gum disease treatment
- Oral surgery
- Crowns, bridges, and dentures
Employees can also use their FSA funds for other health care expenses, such as:
- Prescription medications
- Medical and diagnostic devices
- Over-the-counter medications (with a doctor’s prescription)
- Copays
- Deductibles
- Coinsurance
- Eyeglasses
- Eye surgery
- Hearing aids
- Hospital expenses
FSA funds can go toward most preventive and diagnostic procedures, though some exclusions may apply. One's employer and plan provider can provide details about specific rules and exemptions.
“FSA funds can go toward most preventive and diagnostic procedures.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the maximum amount I can put in my flexible spending account?
A. While maximum annual contributions may vary, the most you can put into a medical FSA is $2,750. The yearly maximum for a dependent care FSA is $5,000. Ask your employer for more details about your policy.
Q. Do my FSA funds roll over?
A. It depends on your employer. If you have money left in your flexible spending account at the end of the year, your employer may give you 2.5 more months to spend the money. They may also allow you to carry over up to $500 for the next plan year.
Q. What is the difference between a medical FSA and a dependent care FSA?
A. As the names suggest, medical FSAs are reserved for medical expenses only. Dependent care FSAs are reserved for dependent care services. The latter include before or after-school programs, child or adult daycare, preschool, and summer day camp.
Q. What is the difference between an FSA and an HSA?
A. Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) are owned by an employer. Health savings accounts (HSAs) are controlled by an individual. However, both allow employees to save on their medical expenses with pre-tax money.
Q. Are FSAs the same as HRAs?
A. No. Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) are funded by the employee and sometimes by the employer. In contrast, HRAs are funded only by the employer. However, patients can have both accounts at once.
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Dental Terminology
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An FSA can help you set aside health care funds and save money at tax time. If your health care plan doesn't cover out-of-pocket dental expenses, an FSA might be able to help. But it's your job to make sure that your funds don't expire. If you don't use your FSA funds each year, you may forfeit the money.
Let Vatan Dental Group in Los Angeles help you put your FSA to use. Call us at 310-906-1300 to learn more about applying FSA funds toward dental care.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
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