Will My HSA Cover Invisalign Treatment?

As you research Invisalign treatment, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the cost. With prices ranging from anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000, and potential additional expenses on top of that, you no doubt want to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses as much as possible.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can help reduce your burden and make your dream smile a reality. While every HSA has its own policies, in most cases, these pre-tax funds can be used for Invisalign treatment. Here is everything you need to know about applying HSA funds to your in-office aligners.

HSAs at a Glance

• Require a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). The median deductible for these plans is around $2,000, but the premiums are typically low—which often benefits younger, healthier individuals.
• Allow you and your employer to contribute pre-tax wages used specifically for health expenses.
• The IRS determines how much you can contribute each calendar year and changes it from one year to the next.
• The funds carry over, rather than expiring on December 31st, allowing you to build up your health expense savings.
• If you change jobs, you retain access to the money.
• US adults have invested over $100 billion in HSAs as of 2022.

HSAs and Invisalign: Is it Covered?

You can almost always use an HSA to pay for Invisalign treatment. As long as your dentist or orthodontist considers it medically necessary (most do), Invisalign’s website says, “You may be able to pay your doctor and be reimbursed from your FSA or HSA. Your benefits provider may also be able to pay your doctor directly.”

Just know that you can’t apply HSA funds to purely cosmetic treatments. Typically, that means things like teeth whitening and veneers, not clear aligners. However, in certain rare cases, a provider might consider aligners cosmetic. This usually doesn’t happen, but you should check with your dentist or orthodontist and your HSA administrator just to be sure.

Do HSAs Cover Dental Work?

Yes, HSA funds can be used to cover dental work and orthodontics, but there are limits to this.

You can only use HSA funds to pay for medically necessary treatments. This includes things like preventative care and correction of abnormalities that either are causing health problems or have the potential to cause health problems in the future.

Anything that is deemed a cosmetic procedure typically will not be covered by your HSA. However, in many cases, the line between essential treatment and cosmetic procedures is thin. If you are concerned that your treatment might not be covered, contact your HSA administrator.

Covered Dental Procedures

• Braces and aligners (in most cases)
• Dentures
• Sealants and bonding
• Fluoride treatments
• Dental cleanings
• X-rays and scans
• Fillings
• Root canals
• Extractions
• Crowns

HSAs vs. FSAs: How Are They Different?

For the most part, HSAs are similar to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): you use their funds to cover treatment that you would otherwise pay out of pocket and store money in the accounts tax free. But the differences are key to understanding how to make the most out of your funds. Here’s a rundown of how they differ.

How to Use Your HSA Funds

When you have a procedure you want to cover with your HSA funds, you need to follow your provider’s instructions for accessing them. In most cases, you will have four options:

• Debit/Benefits Card: With this option, you use your HSA just as you would a checking account. Transactions are limited to medical merchants and the current balance of your HSA.
• Checks: Many HSA managers will also issue checks if you request them. These are then used just like checks for your regular bank account.
• Online Bill Pay: If your company offers this feature, you can pay medical providers directly through the portal for your HSA.
• Reimbursement: With this option, you go ahead and pay out of pocket. Then, you reimburse yourself using your HSA funds.

You are welcome to use any of your HSA’s approved payment methods. Which one you choose is up to you.

What If I Have Dental Insurance, Too?

If your dental insurance covers orthodontic treatment, it should cover at least part of the cost of Invisalign. However, most people will be left needing to pay for some out of pocket.

You can use both your dental insurance and your HSA to pay for your Invisalign treatment. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist about how they can help you maximize your benefits.

Final Thoughts

Invisalign can be life-changing, but not everyone can afford to pay for the full cost of treatment out of pocket. If you have an HSA and dental insurance, you can potentially reduce the cost of treatment or even get it covered in full. To learn more, contact your insurance provider and HSA manager.