Is Denture Cleaner FSA Eligible? What You Need to Know

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is an employer-sponsored benefit that allows individuals to set aside pre-tax money for eligible healthcare expenses. This tax-advantaged account helps reduce taxable income, as contributions are deducted directly from an employee’s paycheck before taxes are calculated. Funds within an FSA can be used to cover various out-of-pocket medical, dental, and vision costs not typically reimbursed by insurance.

Denture Cleaner Eligibility

Denture cleaning supplies are eligible for reimbursement with a Flexible Spending Account. This is because dentures are classified as medical devices, and the cleaning supplies are essential for their maintenance and proper function. Under IRS Code Section 213(d), products used to clean, maintain, or support a medical device are eligible medical expenses.

Some items with both a medical and general health or cosmetic purpose may require additional documentation. For these dual-purpose items, a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a healthcare provider may be needed to confirm the expense is for a specific medical condition. An LMN is a document from a doctor, dentist, or other licensed medical practitioner that verifies the medical necessity of a product or service. It includes the diagnosed medical condition, a description of the recommended treatment or product, and the duration for which it is needed.

Using Your FSA Funds

Once an expense’s eligibility is confirmed, there are two methods for utilizing FSA funds: using an FSA debit card or submitting a reimbursement claim. An FSA debit card allows for immediate payment at the point of sale for eligible expenses. Retain all itemized receipts, as the FSA administrator may request documentation for IRS compliance.

Alternatively, you can pay for eligible expenses out-of-pocket and then seek reimbursement from your FSA administrator. This process involves submitting a claim form along with required documentation, such as itemized receipts or an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance provider. The documentation must include the date of service, a description of the item or service, the amount charged, and the name of the provider. For expenses requiring a Letter of Medical Necessity, this document should be submitted with your initial reimbursement claim. Maintain thorough records for tax purposes and potential audits.