Don’t Lose It: A Tarzana Patient’s Guide to Maximizing 2025 FSA/HSA and Dental Benefits Before the New Year
November is the perfect time to start thinking about your orthodontic treatment—especially when money is involved. If you live in Tarzana or Encino and have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), a Health Savings Account (HSA), or dental insurance, you may have funds that will soon expire or reset. Orthodontic care, such as braces or Invisalign®, is considered a qualified medical expense.
This guide explains how you can use your remaining 2025 funds before the year ends or plan ahead for your 2026 benefits during open enrollment. With a bit of planning, you can avoid losing your hard-earned money and move one step closer to your dream smile right here at Kahan Orthodontics. Taking action this month can make orthodontic treatment much easier on your wallet.
The December 31st Deadline: Why November Is Critical
The end of the year brings excitement—but also serious deadlines for your healthcare spending. For many patients, December 31st is the final day to use certain benefits, including those for orthodontic care. That’s why November is the best time to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Kahan.
You’ll need time to review your treatment plan and get everything set up before those funds expire. Waiting until the last week of December can make it difficult to start treatment in time. Thinking ahead now can save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.
FSA Explained: Use It or Lose It
An FSA (Flexible Spending Account) is a special account set up by your employer that lets you set aside pre-tax money for medical expenses. Because this money isn’t taxed, it stretches further when paying for health-related costs.
The tricky part? Most FSAs come with a “use it or lose it” deadline. If you don’t use the funds by the end of the year, they disappear. Orthodontic treatment—including braces and Invisalign®—is a qualified medical expense, so it’s an excellent way to use your remaining balance.
Here’s some good news: orthodontic care has an exception to the rule. Even if your braces or Invisalign treatment started earlier in the year, you can still use your current year’s FSA funds to pay for upcoming installments. That flexibility helps families in Tarzana manage ongoing payments efficiently.
HSA Rollover vs. FSA Urgency: Know Your Account Type
You may also have a Health Savings Account (HSA). HSAs and FSAs both allow you to use pre-tax money for medical care, but they differ in one key way:
- FSA funds generally don’t roll over; they must be used by December 31st.
- HSA funds roll over from year to year, so you can save and spend at your own pace.
If you have both accounts, prioritize using your FSA funds first since they expire soon. No matter which account you use, both are smart ways to save on your smile investment.
Strategic Planning: Using Two Years of Dental Coverage
Dental insurance can also help offset the cost of braces or Invisalign. Many PPO dental plans offer partial coverage for orthodontics, especially for children under 18. These plans usually have an Annual Maximum Benefit, which resets every January 1st.
By starting your orthodontic treatment before year-end, you can maximize your coverage:
- Use 2025’s maximum for your initial payment or appliance placement.
- Use 2026’s maximum when your benefit resets in January for follow-up payments.
This simple timing strategy lets you tap into two years of benefits within just a few months—an easy way for Tarzana and Encino families to save more on treatment.
Planning for the New Year: Open Enrollment
November is also open enrollment season, when most people can make changes to their insurance or FSA/HSA contributions for the upcoming year. If you or your child might need orthodontic treatment in 2026, this is the time to select a dental plan that covers braces or Invisalign® and decide how much to contribute to your FSA for next year.
Action Plan for Tarzana and Encino Residents
Ready to make your benefits work for you? Follow these three simple steps:
- Check Your Funds: Review your 2025 FSA balance and dental insurance Annual Maximum Benefit.
- Book Your Free Consultation: Contact Kahan Orthodontics. Our team can help verify your insurance and FSA eligibility. During your visit, Dr. Kahan will discuss your options and show you a digital preview of your new smile.
- Start Before December 31st: Beginning treatment in November ensures you can use your 2025 benefits before they expire.
Don’t let your hard-earned dollars disappear at the end of the year. Take advantage of this opportunity and start your journey to a confident smile today with Kahan Orthodontics in Tarzana.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice from your orthodontist. Treatment results and timelines may vary.