HSA

HSA stands for Health Savings account, and is a special savings account designed for high-deductible health insurance plan. You put money into the account and can use it to cover most medical, dental, and orthodontic costs. You may set aside up to $3,400 for an individual or $6,900 for a family annually. To open an HSA, you must meet IRS eligibility requirements. The great part about an HSA plan is that the money will stay in your account year after year, and can be an excellent investment opportunity that can help cover expenses throughout your life.

FSA

FSA stand for Flexible Savings Account. It’s an account that allows you to save money tax free, and can be used to pay for certain medical, dental, and orthodontic costs. Your FSA is managed by your employer, and you pay money into the account throughout the year. This happens usually through a deduction from your paycheck. You may set aside up to $2,600 annually, but unused FSA funds are usually not available after the year end. Not all employers offer an FSA.

What is the advantage of an FSA or HSA?

There are no taxes paid on the money you put in an FSA or HSA. Depending on your tax bracket, this can lead to significant savings.

How can I use my FSA or HSA to pay for orthodontic treatment?

Before you begin your orthodontic treatment, talk to Family First Orthodontics about making payments through your FSA or HSA. You may be able to pay Family First Orthodontics and be reimbursed from your FSA account. HSA usually functions as a normal bank account, and you can pay with the debit card provided. Your benefits provider may also be able to pay Family First Orthodontics directly.

What does insurance typically cover?

Your insurance may pay for a certain percentage of your orthodontic treatment or a specified dollar amount. There is usually a lifetime cap on the amount insurance will pay for orthodontic treatment.

How do I know whether my insurance covers orthodontic treatment?

Ask your benefits manager at work, call your insurance plan’s customer service line, or look through your benefits package for “orthodontic treatment.” Occasionally treatment is covered by health, instead of dental insurance, or there may be orthodontic coverage that can be purchased separately.

How do I know if Family First Orthodontics accepts my insurance?

When you book your consultation, we will do our best to verify your orthodontic coverage by calling your insurance provider directly. We accept almost all PPO plans and offer payment plans for patients without insurance.