Make the Most of Your Flex Spending Account

Utilize your 2016 dollars before they are lost, and plan
accordingly for 2017

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The California Association of Orthodontists would like to remind
consumers to check their flexible spending accounts (FSA) and ensure all
dollars have been utilized before they expire. Most FSA programs have a
firm start and end date, which means the dollars must be used or they
are lost. For this same reason, it is also the right time to think about
contributions for 2017. Determining the right amount to contribute – not
too much or too little – will help consumers maximize their tax benefit.

To help utilize remaining 2016 dollars, and to plan for 2017
contributions, a visit to the family orthodontist specialist might be
timely.

“Your orthodontist can help identify any treatment that may be needed in
2017 to better assist you in planning for your 2017 flex spending
account,” said Dr. Mary Cooke, a member of the California Association of
Orthodontists and the American Association of Orthodontists. “We want to
help you maximize your flex savings benefits.”

An FSA is a benefit usually offered through an employer. The plan allows
someone to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible health care
expenses for themselves, their spouse or their family. Though the
reimbursement process for orthodontia may be different than other health
care expenses, it does qualify as an approved expense for flex spending
accounts.

There are multiple ways to use flex spending dollars for orthodontic
treatments. If the patient pays for the full cost of treatment during a
plan year, they can be reimbursed for the full amount within that same
year. Patients also have the option for monthly reimbursements after the
initial treatment fees.

“Orthodontists are well-versed on the guidelines and usage of flex
spending accounts,” said Dr. Cooke. “We can help you understand the best
approach and make sure you are working within the guidelines of your
plan.”

About Orthodontists and the California Association of Orthodontists

Orthodontists are specialists and have an additional 3,000+ hours of
orthodontic training after dental school during their residency.
Comparing an orthodontist to a dentist is analogous to comparing a
medical specialist to your primary care physician. Like the family
doctor, dentists are excellent at covering a wide range of general
issues. You should consult an orthodontist to treat more complex
alignment and orthodontic cases.

The California Association of Orthodontists is a chapter of the American
Association of Orthodontists, the world’s oldest and largest dental
specialty organization. It represents more than 18,000 orthodontist
members throughout the United States, Canada and abroad. The Association
admits only orthodontists for membership. It encourages and sponsors key
research to enable members to provide patients with the highest quality
of care, and is committed to educating the public about the need for,
and benefits of, orthodontic treatment. For more information go to mylifemysmile.org.

Contacts

The Summit Group
Jennifer Hurst, 801-983-8484
jhurst@summitslc.com