This bill expands tax-advantaged health savings accounts to include over-the-counter oral health products like toothbrushes and floss.
Jefferson Van Drew
Representative
NJ-2
The Oral Health Products Inclusion Act allows health savings accounts (HSAs) and Archer MSAs to include over-the-counter oral healthcare products like toothbrushes and water flossers as qualified medical expenses. It also permits health flexible spending arrangements and health reimbursement arrangements to cover these expenses. This applies to expenses incurred after the Act's enactment.
HSA Funds Can Now Cover Toothbrushes and Water Flossers Under New Bill
The "Oral Health Products Inclusion Act" is pretty straightforward: it lets you use pre-tax money in your Health Savings Account (HSA), Archer MSA, health flexible spending arrangement, or health reimbursement arrangement to buy everyday oral health stuff like toothbrushes, water flossers, and anti-cavity mouthwash. Basically, if it's an over-the-counter product that fights cavities, plaque, or gingivitis and is considered safe for your teeth and gums, it's probably covered (SEC. 2).
Mouth Money Matters
This bill expands what counts as a "qualified medical expense." Before, HSAs and similar accounts were mostly for things like doctor visits and prescriptions. Now, your regular toothbrush run can be paid for with pre-tax dollars. This change applies to expenses after the bill becomes law.
Real-World Rinse
Imagine you're stocking up on toothpaste and floss. Previously, that came straight out of your pocket. Now, if you have an HSA or similar account, you can use those funds. For someone who regularly buys these products, this could mean a noticeable reduction in out-of-pocket expenses over the year. Think of it like this: if you spend $20 a month on oral care, that's $240 a year. Using pre-tax dollars could save you a chunk of that, depending on your tax bracket. It could also mean more people using those electric toothbrushes that the dentist keeps recommending, but that are more expensive than the manual ones.
Beyond the Brush
While this seems like a small change, it could encourage people to take better care of their teeth. Preventative care is always cheaper than dealing with problems later. The bill doesn't specify brands or set price limits, it just focuses on the type of product. It is worth noting that people with higher incomes are the ones most likely to use and benefit from HSAs and FSAs. So, while this bill is a win for anyone with these accounts, it's a bigger win for some than others.