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.

Desert Bloom Dentistry in Safford and the surrounding area accept 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 (928) 428-1617 to learn how to make the most of your funds.

How FSAs Work

FSAs can help bridge the gap left by other health insurance plans. They allow employees to use tax-free funds to cover out-of-pocket health care expenses, and they sometimes replace a traditional employer health insurance plan.

Employees can also use their FSA to supplement a marketplace plan. In other cases, the FSA may supplement an employer-sponsored health care plan. Either way, the FSA has one central purpose: to cover out-of-pocket expenses.

Employees contribute a limited amount of money to their FSA each year. These funds are taken out of the paycheck before taxable income is calculated. Afterward, employees have one year to use their funds on approved healthcare expenses. FSA funds can apply toward deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Some prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications are covered. Employees can even pay for medical devices like crutches using their FSA.

FSA can help bridge the gap left by other health insurance plans.

The Pros and Cons of an FSA

Tax savings represent the main benefit of an FSA. Since the funds are removed before taxes, employees have a lower taxable income. Some employees find that an FSA increases their take-home pay. The funds in an FSA are available at all times, with few restrictions. Most FSAs are linked to a debit card for added convenience. Patients can then use their FSA debit card at their doctor, dentist, or pharmacy. Patients usually do not need pre-approval or to do other paperwork.

However, employees can only contribute a certain amount of money each year. For most employees, the limit is $2,750 per year. Spouses can also contribute an equal amount to their own FSA. Additionally, FSA funds are tied to an employer. If an employee changes jobs, they cannot keep their current FSA.

FSAs funds are "use it or lose it." At the end of the year, employees can roll over up to $500. The remaining unused funds are forfeited to the employer. Employees must keep an eye on their FSA balance. It's up to each patient to ensure that they use their funds before they expire.

Many patients confuse FSAs with health savings accounts (HSAs). These programs are similar, but they have a few key differences. With an FSA, employees can use their funds as a line of credit. With HSAs, employees can only spend money they have already saved. HSAs are also transferrable: employees can keep their HSAs if they change jobs.

The funds in an FSA are available at all times, with few restrictions.

How to Save Money With an FSA

With an FSA, employees can set aside money from their paychecks. Enrollment is available for a limited time at most workplaces. One's employer can provide more details about where, when, and how to sign up for an FSA.

During the enrollment period, employees determine how much money they plan to save. Choosing the FSA budget can be tricky. If an employee underestimates how much money they need, they might lose out on tax savings. If they overestimate, they may lose the money. The exact amount one needs will depend on their family's unique circumstances.

After enrollment, the money is deducted from each paycheck. Employees have until March 15 of the following year to use their funds. Keep in mind that unused funds will expire. It's the employee's responsibility to use their funds before the deadline.

One’s employer can provide more details about where, when, and how to sign up for an FSA.

How to Use FSA Funds

Patients can use their FSA to cover most dental expenses, including routine care. However, 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.

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 healthcare 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.

Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile

By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.

Dental Terminology

Coinsurance

Coinsurance is the percentage one pays for a health care service after their deductible has been met.

Co-pay

A fixed payment made by the insured (patient) coupled with that of the insurance coverage.

Deductible

Part of an insurance policy that indicates a specified amount of money that the insured must pay prior to the coverage amount.

Diagnostic Procedure

A diagnostic procedure is a medical procedure aimed at diagnosing a condition or illness.

Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance

Employer sponsored health insurance is a healthcare plan offered to eligible employees in which the employer pays a portion of the monthly premium.

Health Care Savings Accounts

A tax-advantaged savings account for medical expenses for taxpayers with a high-deductible healthcare plan.

Open Enrollment

The open enrollment period is the time of year when someone can enroll in a health insurance plan.

Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses

An out-of-pocket medical expense is anything a person has to pay for medical reasons that is not covered by insurance. These typically include co-payments, deductibles or uninsured prescription and procedure costs.

Out-of-Pocket Maximum

The out of pocket maximum is the most an individual will have to pay for health care services in a plan year before your insurance provider covers all the cost.

Call Us Today

If you have a chipped tooth, do not panic. Our team at Desert Bloom Dentistry can help restore a chipped tooth’s function and appearance. Call us today at 928-428-1617 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.

Helpful Related Links

• American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2021
• American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2021
• WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2021

About Our Business, License, and Website Security

• Desert Bloom Dentistry was established in 2022.
• We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.
• We serve patients from the following counties: Graham County, Greenlee County, and Cochise County.
• We serve patients from the following cities: Safford, Thatcher, Pima, Central, Solomon, Morenci, Duncan, Willcox, Fort Thomas, and Bylas.
• AZ (License #D011059). View License Information and Specifics
• National Provider Identifier Database (1881277630). View NPI Registry Information
• Norton Safe Web. View Details
• Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details