No, dental floss is not eligible for reimbursement with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). It is classified as a general health and hygiene product and does not meet the criteria for medical necessity under IRS and SIGIS guidelines.
Why Is Dental Floss Not FSA/HSA Eligible?
Dental floss is ineligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement because it is considered a general toiletry item designed for routine dental hygiene rather than a medically necessary product. According to IRS Code Section 213(d), FSA and HSA funds can only be used for items and services that diagnose, treat, or manage a specific medical condition.
While dental floss is essential for maintaining oral health and preventing issues like gum disease or cavities, its primary purpose is preventative rather than therapeutic. This distinction excludes it from eligibility, as products that are primarily for general health maintenance—like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouthwash—are also ineligible for reimbursement.
Even if a dentist strongly recommends using floss or a specific toothbrush as part of a comprehensive oral hygiene routine, it does not transform the product into a medical necessity under IRS rules. As such, dental floss does not meet FSA/HSA criteria for reimbursement.