Can I use my FSA for an electric toothbrush?

Asked by: Raheem O'Hara IV  |  Last update: August 18, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (29 votes)

Electric toothbrushes are not eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), health reimbursement accounts (HRA), dependent care flexible spending accounts, and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts (LPFSA) because they are general health products.

What toothbrushes are covered by FSA?

You should replace your toothbrush when the bristles look worn out or every three months, whichever one comes first (American Dental Association). Toothbrushes are considered to be used to maintain general good health and are therefore not eligible to be purchased with an FSA.

Can you use your HSA for an electric toothbrush?

So if a dentist diagnoses a health issue, like gingivitis, and recommends a quip Electric Toothbrush or Rechargeable Water Flosser to help, you may be able to pay for it using your FSA, HSA, or HRA.

Does insurance cover electric toothbrush?

Dental insurance plans don't pay for tooth whitening, yet most dental offices charge the patient for it directly. The same applies to electric toothbrushes. In addition, most dental insurance plans don't pay for dental implants.

What can I not use my FSA for?

You can use funds in your FSA to pay for certain medical and dental expenses for you, your spouse if you're married, and your dependents. You can spend FSA funds to pay deductibles and copayments, but not for insurance premiums.

How To Use An Electric Toothbrush

15 related questions found

Is toilet paper FSA eligible?

Toiletries are not eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).

Can I withdraw money from my FSA at an ATM?

You can't withdraw money from an ATM

A significant difference between the FSA debit card and a standard debit card is that you cannot withdraw money from an ATM using your FSA debit card. Even though the FSA debit card functions like a standard debit card, it has certain limitations.

Is it worth paying a lot for an electric toothbrush?

It's worth the cost to buy an electric toothbrush

According to Dr. Alexa Martin D.M.D, cost is often the reason why people don't invest in an electric toothbrush. The base can be pricey, and our experts recommend that you replace your toothbrush head every 1-3 months.

Is it worth spending a lot on an electric toothbrush?

Simply switching to an electric toothbrush cannot guarantee healthy teeth, of course. A good toothpaste, brushing technique, brushing at the right time and flossing are all crucial too. But an electric toothbrush is certainly a good start.

Is an electric toothbrush a device?

A powered toothbrush is an AC-powered or battery-powered device that consists of a handle containing a motor that provides mechanical movement to a brush intended to be applied to the teeth.

Can I use HSA for Sonicare?

If a dental professional has diagnosed a medical condition and recommended a Philips Sonicare as treatment or mitigation for the medical condition, under IRS guidelines it should qualify for reimbursement through an FSA/HRA and for tax-preferred treatment for an HSA.

Is toothpaste FSA eligible?

Toothpaste is not eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA). What is toothpaste?

Can I buy a Waterpik with my HSA?

Eligible Medical Expenses Include Dental Issues

For example, if a dentist diagnoses gingivitis and recommends a Waterpik® Water Flosser or Waterpik® Sonic-Fusion®, under IRS guidelines it is an eligible expense. Individual plans can vary, so it's best to verify eligibility with your provider.

Is shampoo covered by FSA?

In certain cases, shampoos may contain active medical ingredients prescribed by doctors in which case that shampoo would be eligible for reimbursement.

Can you buy vitamins with FSA?

FSA and HSAs won't cover a vitamin supplement geared toward general health and wellness. A vitamin is eligible for coverage by an FSA or HSA only if that vitamin has been recommended by a medical professional for the treatment or prevention of a specific disease or condition.

Can I use my FSA for mouthwash?

Over-the-counter items (OTC) items are not eligible for reimbursement if they are normally used for general health or are used even when there is not a medical condition being treated (such as toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, lotion or moisturizer that also contains sunscreen) or are cosmetic in nature (teeth whitening ...

What is a negative of an electric toothbrush?

The Cons of Electric Toothbrushes

Higher Cost- Battery-powered toothbrushes are more expensive than their traditional counterparts. They also require replacement heads, which can be quite pricey. Higher Risk of Damage- Because of their electronics, they are at a higher risk of damage if dropped or falling in the water.

How many times a day should you use an electric toothbrush?

No matter which brand you choose, you can count on improved oral health if you learn how to use an electric toothbrush properly! Now that you've chosen an electric brush over a manual one, make sure you use it two times every day.

How often should you buy an electric toothbrush?

How Often Should You Replace an Electric Toothbrush? As stated above, you should replace your electric toothbrush every three to five years, depending on your use. However, the brush comes with removable parts, for instance, the electric toothbrush head. Brushes generally last 3-6 months, but some can go longer.

Why do dentists recommend electric toothbrushes?

Studies show that electric toothbrushes do a better job of cleaning your teeth than manual toothbrushes do, which can help prevent cavities and gum disease.

What are the pros and cons of an electric toothbrush?

The Pros and Cons of Electric Toothbrushes
  • PRO: They have a slight edge when it comes to cleaning. ...
  • CON: They can be too powerful. ...
  • PRO: They often include timers. ...
  • CON: They're more expensive. ...
  • PRO: They make brushing your teeth easier.

Which is better sonic or rotating toothbrush?

Sonic and rotary toothbrushes differ in the brushing technologies. Sonic electric toothbrushes produce vibrations in to and fro motions while rotary electric toothbrushes produce oscillating motions for effective cleaning. Studies prove rotary toothbrushes have better cleaning efficiency.

What happens to leftover FSA money?

For employees, the main downside to an FSA is the use-it-or-lose-it rule. If the employee fails to incur enough qualified expenses to drain his or her FSA each year, any leftover balance generally reverts back to the employer.

Where does leftover FSA money go?

Where does the money go? Unused FSA money returns to your employer. The funds can be used towards offsetting administrative costs incurred during the plan year, employers can also reduce annual premiums in the next FSA year, or funds must be equally distributed to employees who enroll in an FSA for the next year.

Can I buy gas with FSA card?

Fuel is eligible for transportation to and from medical care, up to the allowed mileage rate. Fuel, gasoline for medical care reimbursement is eligible with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).