Can it be paid under the FSA

GLC

Can teeth whitener that is purchased from a dentist be claimed under the FSA? The person had their teeth whitened earlier in the year and has to maintain it with weekly by using the whitener.

lnelson

I would say no because it is not a medical necessity it is purely cosmetic.

atrimble

If you have a TPA administering your FSA, I'd let them hash it out. FSAs are pretty restricted by what the IRS allows. However, if you administer your FSA yourself, there are situations where a whitener COULD be construed as "medically necessary."

If your employee has taken an antibiotic that darkens or yellows the teeth (there are several out there!), or if they've had a dental procedure (like a root canal) that that has blackened the tooth, then the subsequent whitening procedure can be claimed as part of the whole process. Dentists typically inform the patient if there is a likelyhood of this before doing the procedure, and sometimes include the whitening in their estimate/bill. You can look at post-procedure whitening like going back to get stitches out. Dentists typically jump-start the whitening process in the office, then send the patient home for home-treatments until the follow up appointment.

So I'd ask the employee if the whitening was prescribed or recommended, and follow up with the dentist. Also keep in mind that if whitening isn't an option, veneers may also qualify under this same idea.

HR in CA

This is not a reimbursable expense under our plan. It clearly states no teeth whiting procedures or supplies will be covered.