Flexible Spending Accounts Culver City, CA
Flexible spending accounts or flexible spending arrangements, also known as FSAs, are a type of savings account offered to employees by their employers. Employees can contribute a portion of their regular earnings, or employers can contribute to the employees' accounts. The employee must use these contributions for reimbursement for qualifying expenses related to dental and medical services.
At Dentex Dental Specialty Group, we are proud to serve patients in Culver City and the surrounding area. We accept FSAs and dental insurance. Call us today at (310) 895-2446 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
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 health care 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 paycheck. 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.”
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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. What are the benefits of an FSA?
Q. How do I sign up for an FSA?
Q. Can I use my FSA to pay for dental care?
Q. What is covered under an FSA?
People Also Ask
Q. Who is the billing specialist?
Q. How can someone determine what type of dentist or service they need?
Q. Do HSAs cover dental services?
Q. How can I find dental insurance that takes my ideal dentist?
Q. What is the importance of having a routine dental checkup?
Treatments Covered by an FSA
FSAs cover most preventative and diagnostic procedures, along with certain medical devices. However, some exceptions may apply. FSAs are commonly used for things like:
- Coinsurance
- Copays
- Deductibles
- Eye surgery
- Eyeglasses
- Hearing aids
- Hospital expenses
They also cover several kinds of dental services, such as:
- Crowns, bridges, and dentures
- Diagnostic and preventive care
- Filling, sealants, and extractions
- Gum disease treatment
- Oral surgery
- Routine cleanings
Employees should contact their employer and plan provider with any questions and concerns they have about rules and exemptions regarding their FSA. They will also need to find out what is not covered under their plan.
“Employees should contact their employer and plan provider with any questions and concerns they have about rules and exemptions regarding their FSA.”
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 Dentex Dental Specialty Group in Culver City help you put your FSA to use. Call us at 310-895-2446 to learn more about applying FSA funds toward dental care.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
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