Insurance and Billing
Flexible spending account (FSA)
A flexible spending account (FSA) is an employer-run account that lets you pay for many medical and dental costs with pre-tax money.
A flexible spending account is an arrangement through your employer. It lets you pay for many out-of-pocket medical expenses with tax-free dollars. Allowed expenses include insurance copayments and deductibles. NADP notes that funds can be used for you or your dependents' dental care.
You decide how much to put in, up to a limit your employer sets. You are not taxed on this money. If money is left at the end of the year, the employer can offer a short grace period or a limited carryover, but not both. Rules change, so check your plan.
An FSA is not insurance. It can help pay a deductible or copay. A health savings account is a different tool with different rules. See dental financing.