Final Call in Tarzana: Don’t Let Your 2025 Dental Insurance & FSA/HSA Funds Expire on December 31st!

December is your final opportunity to make the most of your healthcare funds before they reset or disappear. This quick guide from Kahan Orthodontics is your last-call checklist to help you use your 2025 dental insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and Health Savings Account (HSA) dollars before the December 31st deadline.

Orthodontic treatments like braces and Invisalign® may qualify as eligible medical expenses, making them a smart way to use your benefits. By scheduling your appointment now, you can lock in your coverage and potentially save hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars on treatment.

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by—Encino and Tarzana residents still have time to secure their savings before the new year!

The Hard Deadline: Why December 31st Matters

When it comes to health benefits, the calendar year controls your savings. December 31st is critical because of two key rules:

1. The Dental Insurance Annual Maximum Reset
2. The FSA “Use It or Lose It” Rule

Let’s break them down.

1. The Dental Insurance Reset

Most Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) dental insurance plans operate on a calendar year. Each year, you’re given an Annual Maximum Benefit, which is the maximum amount your plan will pay for covered care. On January 1st, that amount resets—and any unused funds from 2025 are gone for good.

Starting your orthodontic treatment in December is a strategic move:

1. Apply your 2025 benefit toward your initial down payment or appliance placement.
2. Then, when January arrives, your 2026 benefit resets, allowing you to use fresh coverage for the next phase of your treatment.

This timing lets you leverage two years of dental benefits within a matter of weeks—a smart financial move for families in Tarzana and Encino.

2. The FSA Countdown

If you have an FSA (Flexible Spending Account), the clock is ticking. FSAs let you use pre-tax dollars for qualified medical expenses, including orthodontic care. However, most plans follow the “use it or lose it” rule, meaning any unspent funds expire at midnight on December 31st.

Starting braces or Invisalign® in December is one of the best ways to use up your remaining 2025 FSA balance before it disappears.

Understanding the FSA Exception: The Orthodontic Rule

Orthodontics has a unique advantage when it comes to FSAs. Even if your treatment began in a previous year, you can still use your current year’s FSA funds for upcoming payments.

Here’s how that helps:

1. If you’re starting now: Use your 2025 FSA dollars to cover the initial cost of treatment and appliances.
2. If you’re already in treatment: Apply your remaining FSA balance to your next scheduled installment.

Either way, you’ll prevent your pre-tax money from expiring on January 1st—and that’s a win for your wallet.

HSA vs. FSA: Know the Difference

While both accounts use pre-tax funds for healthcare, their rules differ:

1. FSA: Funds usually expire at year’s end. Act now to avoid losing them.
2. HSA: Funds roll over each year and may even accrue interest. You can use them anytime for orthodontic expenses.

If you’re unsure which account you have, contact your HR department or benefits provider to confirm whether you’re facing a spend-it-or-lose-it deadline.

Planning for 2026: Open Enrollment and Your Future Smile

December is also part of Open Enrollment, which allows you to make changes to your health or dental coverage for the upcoming year.

If you’re planning orthodontic treatment in 2026, now’s the time to:

1. Choose a dental plan that includes orthodontic benefits.
2. Decide how much to contribute to your 2026 FSA—up to $3,300 per individual for the year.

Planning ahead helps you maximize your tax-free savings and make treatment more affordable in the months to come.

Your Final Countdown Action Plan in Encino & Tarzana

The Kahan Orthodontics team is here to make sure you don’t leave money on the table. Insurance and benefit rules can be confusing, but we’ll handle the details for you!

Here’s your simple three-step plan to secure your 2025 benefits before the deadline:

1. Check Your Balances: Find out your remaining FSA balance and Annual Maximum dental benefit for 2025.
2. Schedule Your Free Consultation: Call our Tarzana or Encino office today. Your consultation is free and includes a review of your orthodontic options and a clear financial plan.
3. Use Our Expertise: We’ll help you verify your coverage, calculate your remaining benefits, and book your initial appointment before December 31st to secure your funds.

Don’t wait until the last minute! Start your smile journey now and make sure every dollar of your 2025 benefits works for you.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice from your orthodontist. Results and treatment timelines may vary.