Flexible Spending Accounts Charlotte, NC
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 Randolph Dental Care, we are proud to serve patients in Charlotte and the surrounding area. We accept FSAs and dental insurance. Call us today at (704) 366-3622 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.”
Pros and Cons of an FSA
The primary advantage of an FSA is tax savings. FSA funds are deducted before taxes, thus lowering an employee's overall taxable income. As a result, some actually find that an FSA increases their take-home pay. Additionally, FSA funds are always available and can even be linked to a debit card for extra convenience. FSAs also do not require pre-approval or additional paperwork.
Still, FSAs also come with their own set of disadvantages. For one thing, there is a limit to the amount of money that employees can contribute per year. For another, FSA funds are intrinsically linked to an employer – meaning employees cannot keep their current FSA if they change jobs.
“The primary advantage of an FSA is tax savings.”
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. How do I sign up for an FSA?
Q. Can I use my FSA to pay for dental care?
Q. Where can I use my FSA funds?
Q. What are some of the pros and cons of an FSA?
People Also Ask
Q. Do HSAs cover dental treatments?
Q. How often should someone have a dental checkup?
Q. How can I find dental insurance that takes my ideal dentist?
Q. Who is the billing specialist?
Q. How can someone determine what type of dentist or service they need?
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 health care 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.”
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
Call Us Today
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 Randolph Dental Care in Charlotte help you put your FSA to use. Call us at 704-366-3622 to learn more about applying FSA funds toward dental care.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Randolph Dental Care was established in 2016.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Mecklenburg County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Charlotte, Matthews, Huntersville, Fort Mill, and Pineville Mint Hill
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