As the year ends, you may check your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) balance. You might notice an important issue: you either use it or lose it. Your employer’s plan probably follows the “use-it-or-lose-it” rule.
This means you may lose any unused funds in your FSA at the end of the year. This is unless your plan has a rollover or grace period.
The good news? You can and should use FSA funds toward eligible healthcare and dental services now, while you still have access to them.
This includes services we offer at our practice. These services help with jaw pain and disorders like TMJ. Let’s look at how to make the most of your FSA. We will cover what expenses qualify and why you should schedule your appointment today.
Why You Should Act Now
1. You have pre-tax dollars waiting to be spent
An FSA allows you to save money before you deduct taxes. This means every dollar you spend is worth more.
2. Time is running out
Many plans have strict deadlines. If your FSA runs on a calendar-year plan, you may lose unused funds after December 31.
Some plans may let you roll over money, like up to $660. You should check your employer’s specific rules.
3. Dental and TMJ services often qualify
Yes, routine dental services like exams, cleanings, X-rays, and treatments for TMJ can be eligible for FSA reimbursement. Many people mistakenly believe FSAs only apply to major medical expenses, but this is not the case.
4. Avoid the regret of unused benefits
Studies show many individuals leave hundreds of dollars unused in their FSA simply because they didn’t take action. That’s pre-tax money going to waste.
What Counts as “Eligible FSA Healthcare Expenses”?
To understand what your FSA covers so you can make informed choices and avoid any surprises.
Dental and Vision Are Included
- Plan administrators state that many Health Care FSAs often cover dental costs like exams, cleanings, X-rays, and braces.
- Under a “Limited Purpose FSA” (for those with HSAs), the eligible expenses are typically only dental and vision.
TMJ/Jaw-Related Treatments
If you have symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ/TMD), you may have options that are eligible for FSA. Symptoms include jaw pain, clicking, headaches, or trouble chewing.
- Dental appliances (night guards, bite splints) are often eligible.
- Treatments deemed medically necessary (as opposed to purely cosmetic) may also qualify under FSA rules.
- Note: Cosmetic dental work (for appearance only, e.g., whitening) is typically not eligible.
Other Eligible Items
Your FSA may cover office visits, copayments, diagnostic tests, and some over-the-counter items. Some items may require a prescription.
Key Reminder
Always check your specific FSA plan document. The IRS defines what could qualify, but your employer’s plan may have additional restrictions.
How to Use Your FSA Before Year-End: Smart Moves
Step 1: Check your FSA Balance & Deadlines
Log in to your FSA account to check your balance and see if your plan has a grace period or rollover option. Don’t assume you are going to have extra time!
Step 2: Inventory Your Possible Healthcare Needs
Here are some ideas that make perfect sense for leftover FSA funds:
- Dental exam & cleaning (this year)
- X-rays or diagnostics for oral health or jaw pain
- Treatment or appliance for TMJ or bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Dental procedures you’ve been postponing (if medically necessary)
- Prescription items or oral health supplies you’ll use regardless
Step 3: Schedule an Appointment Now
At our office in Palo Alto, we can help you schedule your dental visit. We can also evaluate TMJ symptoms, fit a night guard, or plan preventive care. All of these services can use your FSA funds. Booking in advance ensures that the plan provides services and submits claims in the current plan year.
Step 4: Save Receipts & Submit Claims
Keep all documentation, including your dentist’s name, service date, description of treatment, and cost. Submit your claim while the plan year is still active. If you wait until after year-end, they might deny your claim.
Step 5: Fit in Timing Wisely
If you’re booking near year-end:
- Make sure the service date falls within your plan year (or within any grace period)
- If you’re prepaying, check your plan’s rules because some plans allow you to apply prepayment of services.
- Ask your dentist’s office to confirm the date of service in the invoice.
Why Letting FSA Funds Go to Waste Is Costly
By putting money into an FSA, you use pre-tax income. This means you lower your taxable income and give yourself a raise. Losing those dollars is like leaving a bonus on the table. Using your FSA for dental or TMJ treatments helps you deal with problems early. This way, you won’t have to wait for symptoms to get worse or costs to rise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Excellent. Some plans let you carry over a limited amount, like about $660 for 2025.
They may also give you up to 2.5 extra months to use the funds. But you must verify if your employer’s plan offers this.
Generally, no. Cosmetic procedures, like teeth whitening, usually do not qualify. People do not see them as “treatment of disease or dysfunction.”
Yes, insurance can cover treatments for medical conditions like TMJ. This is true if they help with a medical issue and a professional recommends them.
Yes—if you incur out-of-pocket expenses for eligible services that aren’t reimbursed by insurance. Just make sure your claim shows the portion you paid and that insurance didn’t cover.
Why Book Your Visit at Dr. Harry Tseng & Associates
As a trusted dental office in Palo Alto, we offer complete dental care. This includes routine cleanings, diagnostic services, and TMJ assessments. By scheduling with us, you’ll benefit from:
- Professional evaluation of jaw- and bite-related issues
- Personalized treatment planning—whether for preventive care or TMJ therapy
- Friendly scheduling and claims assistance to help ensure your FSA funds are applied effectively
- The peace of mind knowing you’ve used your pre-tax dollars wisely before year-end
Take Action Today!
If you’ve got FSA dollars sitting unused, don’t wait. Call us now to schedule a visit to our Palo Alto office.
We will check your dental health and look for TMJ symptoms. We will provide treatment if needed. We will also help you use your FSA funds before the year ends.
👉 Call 650-326-3290 or click here to book online.
Your smile, your jaw, and your wallet will thank you.
Use your FSA — and protect your dental health—before it’s too late.