The ineligibility of standard oral hygiene implements for Flexible Spending Account (FSA) reimbursement stems from the program’s core design, which prioritizes medical expenses. To qualify for FSA coverage, an item or service must be primarily for the prevention or alleviation of a specific disease or medical condition. General health and wellness items, which benefit overall well-being rather than directly treating a particular ailment, typically do not meet this criterion.
This categorization reflects the FSA’s fundamental purpose: to assist individuals in managing healthcare costs associated with diagnosed medical conditions. While maintaining oral hygiene is undeniably crucial for preventing dental issues, routine toothbrushes are viewed as preventative measures within the scope of general personal care. Therefore, they fall outside the realm of reimbursable medical expenses as defined by FSA regulations. The historical context reveals that FSA guidelines have consistently focused on direct treatment or specific prevention of definable health problems, leading to the exclusion of products aimed at broad wellness.
