Those who need orthodontic procedures often wonder, “Can you use HSA for braces?“
Everyone deserves to be proud of their smile. However, many families avoid investing in their oral health due to the cost. One way to reduce those out-of-pocket costs is to open a health savings account for orthodontics.
While most health savings accounts (HSAs) cover similar medical expenses, not all cover orthodontic treatments. Knowing your options can help you make the best decision for your smile.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at HSAs and braces, and answer some frequently asked questions, like:
- What is an HSA?
- Does HSA cover dental work?
- Can I pay for orthodontics with my HSA?
- Can I pay for braces with HSA?
- Are braces tax deductible?
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are a great way to save for medical expenses. However, many come with stipulations depending on the type of insurance plan you have.
So, how do you navigate through all the available information? We’re here to help.
Let’s begin with the basics.
What is an HSA?
An HSA is a bank account that allows you to save money for qualified medical expenses. Qualified medical expenses can include:
- Co-pays
- Prescription drugs
- Procedures
- Medical equipment
- Vision care
- Dental care
- And other healthcare-related costs!
HSAs are especially beneficial for those who may not qualify for medical insurance at work or don’t have an insurance plan that covers dental, vision, and other wellness needs. The biggest advantage of using an HSA for medical expenses is that the money is either:
- Put aside as pre-tax dollars
- Completely tax-deductible
However, once you contribute to your HSA, you can’t invest the money or use it for nonmedical purposes.
So, how can you be sure that an HSA is right for you or your family? And, does an HSA cover dental work or orthodontics?
Can an HSA Be Used for Braces?
HSAs are designed to cover medical costs and expenses, including those charged by orthodontists and other medical professionals. You can use your HSA to cover orthodontic costs like braces in many cases.
Essentially, the cost of your orthodontics needs to fall within a qualifying category for you to pay for them with HSA funds. So, what is a qualifying expense?
The IRS states that medical care must be:
- Ordered by a medical practitioner (this includes general physicians, dentists, specialists, and surgeons)
- Qualified to treat a condition that the patient is being monitored or treated for
For orthodontic care specifically, the treatment must be prescribed as part of the prevention and/or mitigation of dental disease. Braces are viewed as a preventative measure as straight teeth are easier to clean.
If you have dental insurance, you can usually pay for any amount not covered by insurance with your HSA. However, not all plans offer this coverage, so it’s important to check with your specific HSA provider before starting any new services.
Are Braces Tax Deductible?
Two other frequently asked questions about braces are:
- “Are braces tax deductible?”
- “Are orthodontist fees tax deductible”?
You’ll be happy to know that any extensive orthodontic procedure could be considered a deduction, which helps those looking to save money during tax season.
First, check with your insurance provider to see if they cover orthodontic treatments. If you have to pay out of pocket (and without an HSA), you may be able to deduct the expense, depending on the treatment’s underlying purpose.
If the orthodontic treatment is for prevention or alleviation, you can deduct the cost. However, if you receive a dental or orthodontic procedure that’s deemed unnecessary or cosmetic, you can’t claim the associated expense on your taxes.
When it comes to taxes, every itemization counts, right? Offsetting the cost through a deduction also helps those in need of treatments who are on a tighter budget.
Can I Pay for Orthodontics with my HSA?
So, now that you understand what an HSA is and its benefits, you’re probably wondering, “Can I pay for orthodontics with my HSA?”
An HSA is simply a dedicated savings account for medical expenses, so you can certainly use it to make payments. HSA organizations often offer debit cards for patients’ convenience.
Can I Use an HSA for Invisalign?
Invisalign is an excellent option for those looking to straighten their teeth. But, can you use your health savings account for orthodontics like Invisalign?
If you’re interested in using your HSA funds to pay for Invisalign treatments, you’ll need to work directly with your dental professional.
At Bates Orthodontics, we accept HSA cards as payments for Invisalign. Typically, major processors like Mastercard or Visa issue the HSA card in partnership with your insurance company.
If your dental or medical professional doesn’t accept HSAs for some reason, you may be able to reimburse yourself the cost of your Invisalign braces. Just ensure you have the proper receipt.
Can You Use HSA for Braces? (And Should You?)
An HSA is a great way to save money for future medical expenses, so if your insurance company offers this option, you should consider taking advantage of it.
But can an HSA be used for braces? You can absolutely use your HSA for braces, as long as your orthodontist recommends them as a preventative or mitigative plan.
If you have the option to open an HSA, take advantage. Not only is it a monetarily beneficial way to save toward orthodontic treatments and braces it can be a great way to save toward upcoming orthodontic treatments.
Remember that with HSAs, there are limitations on how much you can contribute, so you’ll want to plan your spending wisely.
Perfect Your Smile and Feel Confident With Bates Orthodontics
Navigating orthodontic procedures and payments doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. However, like many others, you may have questions.
Some of the most frequently asked questions regarding orthodontic payment involves HSAs and braces, like:
- Are braces tax deductible?
- Are orthodontist fees tax deductible?
- Can I pay for orthodontics with my HSA?
- Can you use HSA for braces?
HSAs can be a great way to help pay for orthodontic treatment, but there are often stipulations and requirements. It’s always a good idea to talk with your HSA provider to better understand how you can and can’t use it.
At Bates Orthodontics, we believe treatments are a critical health service that should be accessible for everyone. Transparency is important to us, so you’ll know exactly what to expect before treatment begins. Our cost calculator can help build a free cost estimate based on various financial plans, and we also allow patients to set up monthly payments instead of large, one-time payments..
If you have questions about your treatment, our caring and compassionate team is here to help. Our certified orthodontic specialists have the experience and knowledge to support you through your treatment and any questions that you may have.
Book your free consultation now to learn about our custom treatment plans for braces, Invisalign, and other orthodontic treatments. We can’t wait to see you smile!
