Can You Use an FSA for Dental Veneers?

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allows individuals to set aside pre-tax dollars from their salary to cover various healthcare expenses. This financial tool helps reduce taxable income while providing a dedicated fund for medical, dental, and vision costs. Understanding how an FSA can be used for specific dental procedures, such as veneers, requires a clear grasp of eligibility rules.

FSA Eligibility for Dental Care

Dental expenses eligible for FSA reimbursement align with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidelines for medical care. IRS Publication 502 defines eligible medical and dental expenses as costs paid for the prevention, diagnosis, cure, mitigation, or treatment of disease, or for affecting any part or function of the body. This includes services by dentists, equipment, supplies, and diagnostic devices. Common eligible dental expenses include preventative care, treatments for dental diseases like fillings or extractions, and orthodontics.

The IRS explicitly states that purely cosmetic procedures are not eligible for reimbursement. Expenses solely aimed at improving appearance without addressing a physical illness or defect are excluded. For instance, teeth whitening is not an eligible expense. The focus remains on functional or health-related treatments rather than aesthetic enhancements.

Medical Necessity for Veneers

While often associated with cosmetic improvements, dental veneers can be eligible for FSA reimbursement if medically necessary. This means the procedure must address a specific medical condition or functional impairment, not solely aesthetic reasons. For example, veneers might qualify if used to restore tooth function following an injury, correct a severe dental defect impacting oral health, or treat a specific dental condition affecting tooth structure.

A purely aesthetic application, such as changing tooth shape or brightening color without an underlying functional issue, would not meet the IRS criteria for medical necessity. The IRS does not provide an exhaustive list of every eligible procedure, but determination often relies on a qualified medical professional’s diagnosis. This diagnosis must clearly state why the veneers are required.

Required Documentation

To substantiate a claim for medically necessary dental veneers, specific documentation is needed. A detailed statement or letter from your dentist or orthodontist is typically required. This letter, often referred to as a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), must clearly state the medical diagnosis and explain why the veneers are necessary.

In addition to the LMN, you will need itemized receipts for the dental procedure. These receipts must clearly show the service provided, the date of service, the patient’s name, the provider’s name, and the total cost. Any supporting diagnostic records, such as X-rays or photographs, should be retained as they may be requested by your FSA administrator. Maintaining copies of all documentation for your personal records is advisable for future reference or audits.

Filing Your Claim

Once all necessary documentation is gathered, you can proceed with filing your FSA claim for reimbursement. Common methods for submission include online portals, mobile applications, mail, or fax, depending on your FSA administrator. Many administrators provide a specific claim form for submission with your supporting documents.

When submitting, ensure all required documents, such as the Letter of Medical Necessity and itemized receipts, are properly attached or uploaded. Claims are typically processed within a few business days from the time they are received and verified. Your FSA administrator may contact you if additional information or clarification is needed to process your claim. Keeping copies of all submitted forms and supporting documentation is a good practice for your records.