Are Electric Toothbrushes FSA Eligible? What You Need to Know
In most cases, electric toothbrushes are not automatically FSA or HSA eligible. They are classified as general health and wellness items. However, if your dentist provides a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) stating an electric toothbrush is required for a specific dental condition, you may be able to use FSA/HSA funds.
If you have money sitting in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), you might be wondering whether you can put it toward a high-quality electric toothbrush. The rules around dental products and these tax-advantaged accounts can be confusing, so let us break down exactly what qualifies, what does not, and how you might get your electric toothbrush covered.
Understanding FSA and HSA Eligibility
What is an FSA?
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a tax-advantaged account offered through employer benefit plans. You contribute pre-tax dollars during open enrollment, and those funds can be used for qualified medical expenses throughout the plan year. FSA funds typically expire at year-end or with a small grace period, meaning "use it or lose it."
What is an HSA?
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is available to individuals enrolled in high-deductible health plans. Like FSAs, contributions are pre-tax, but HSA funds roll over year to year and can even be invested. The eligibility rules for what you can purchase are similar to FSA.
The IRS Standard
The IRS determines what qualifies as a reimbursable medical expense under Section 213(d) of the Internal Revenue Code. To be eligible, an item must be "primarily for the prevention or alleviation of a physical defect or illness." General health items that are also used by healthy individuals, such as regular toothbrushes and toothpaste, typically do not qualify.
Why Electric Toothbrushes Usually Do Not Qualify
Electric toothbrushes fall into a gray area. While they provide measurable health benefits, including better plaque removal and gum health, they are classified as general hygiene products rather than medical devices. The key distinction the IRS makes:
- General health items: Products that benefit overall health but are not treating a specific condition (toothbrushes, vitamins, gym memberships) are NOT eligible.
- Medical necessities: Products prescribed or recommended to treat a diagnosed medical condition ARE eligible.
Because anyone can benefit from an electric toothbrush regardless of their dental health, it defaults to the "general health" category.
How to Get Your Electric Toothbrush Covered
There is a pathway to FSA/HSA eligibility: obtaining a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your dentist or physician. Here is how the process works:
Step 1: Talk to Your Dentist
At your next dental appointment, discuss whether an electric toothbrush would be medically necessary for your specific situation. Common qualifying conditions include:
- Periodontal disease (gum disease): Electric toothbrushes are clinically proven to be more effective at removing plaque along the gum line.
- Arthritis or limited manual dexterity: Patients who cannot effectively use a manual toothbrush due to physical limitations.
- Post-surgical care: After dental implants, gum surgery, or jaw surgery where precise, gentle cleaning is required.
- Orthodontic treatment: Braces and other orthodontic devices that make manual brushing difficult.
- Disability or motor impairments: Any condition that affects the ability to perform effective manual brushing.
Step 2: Obtain the Letter
Ask your dentist to write a formal Letter of Medical Necessity that includes:
- Patient name and date of birth
- Specific diagnosis or condition
- Explanation of why an electric toothbrush is medically necessary (not just beneficial)
- Duration of need (ongoing or temporary)
- Provider signature and credentials
- Written on official practice letterhead
Step 3: Purchase and Submit
- Purchase the electric toothbrush (keep the receipt)
- Submit a claim to your FSA/HSA administrator with the receipt and LMN
- If using an FSA debit card, you may need to submit documentation after the purchase for substantiation
Some online "FSA stores" (like FSAstore.com) sell electric toothbrushes directly. However, the fact that a product is sold on an FSA store does not guarantee your specific plan will reimburse it. Always check with your plan administrator about their eligibility rules. Some employers have broader or narrower definitions of eligible expenses.
What Dental Items ARE FSA/HSA Eligible?
While standard electric toothbrushes may not qualify automatically, many dental items do:
| Item | FSA/HSA Eligible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dental cleanings | ✓ Yes | Preventive care qualifies |
| Dental X-rays | ✓ Yes | Diagnostic procedures qualify |
| Orthodontic treatment | ✓ Yes | Braces, retainers, Invisalign |
| Dentures | ✓ Yes | Including repairs |
| Prescription toothpaste | ✓ Yes | Rx fluoride toothpaste only |
| Regular toothpaste | ✗ No | General health item |
| Electric toothbrush | Maybe | Requires LMN |
| Replacement brush heads | Maybe | If brush was approved with LMN |
| Water flosser | Maybe | Requires LMN for gum disease |
| Manual toothbrush | ✗ No | General health item |
| Mouthwash (OTC) | ✗ No | Unless prescribed |
Spending FSA Funds Before They Expire
If you have leftover FSA funds approaching the deadline, here are better-guaranteed dental expenses to consider:
- Schedule any outstanding dental work (fillings, crowns, cleanings)
- Get prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste from your dentist
- Purchase prescription mouthwash (chlorhexidine)
- Stock up on clearly eligible dental supplies your plan covers
- Consider an additional dental cleaning if your plan covers it
Our Recommendation
If you have a legitimate dental condition that makes an electric toothbrush medically necessary, absolutely pursue the LMN route. Many dentists are happy to write these letters when there is genuine medical justification. However, do not count on FSA/HSA funds for a toothbrush purchase unless you have confirmed eligibility with your plan administrator first. The best electric toothbrushes are worth the out-of-pocket investment regardless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally no. Electric toothbrushes are classified as general health items by the IRS and are not automatically FSA eligible. However, with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your dentist for a specific condition like gum disease or limited dexterity, you may be able to get reimbursement.
HSA eligibility follows the same IRS rules as FSA. An electric toothbrush is not automatically eligible, but may qualify with a Letter of Medical Necessity from your healthcare provider documenting a specific medical need.
Clearly eligible dental items include dental procedures (cleanings, fillings, X-rays), orthodontic treatment, dentures, and prescription dental products. General hygiene items like standard toothbrushes, OTC toothpaste, and mouthwash are not eligible.
Ask your dentist at your next appointment. They will need to document your specific condition (gum disease, arthritis, post-surgical need), explain why an electric toothbrush is medically necessary, and write the letter on official practice letterhead with their signature and credentials.