Oral Health Products Inclusion Act
Key claim: The Oral Health Products Inclusion Act would expand the definition of qualified medical expenses under FSA, HRA, HSA, and Archer MSA accounts to cover toothbrushes, water flossers, and over-the-counter oral health products.
Abstract
(HR1219 · 119th Congress) Oral Health Products Inclusion Act This bill allows individuals to use funds in a flexible spending arrangement (FSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), health savings account (HSA), or Archer medical savings account (Archer MSA) to pay for toothbrushes (manual or electric), water flossers, and oral health products. Under current law, reimbursements from an FSA or HRA and tax-free distributions from an HSA or Archer MSA may be used to pay for the qualified medical expenses. Reimbursements from an FSA or HRA for nonmedical expenses generally are not allowed and distributions from an HSA or Archer MSA for nonmedical expenses generally are taxed as income and may be subject to an additional penalty. Under the bill, the definition of qualified medical expenses is expanded to include toothbrushes (manual or electric), water flossers, and oral health products. The bill defines an oral health product as an over-the-counter product that is (1) used for preventing or treating dental cavities, plaque, or gingivitis; (2) suitable for topical administration to the teeth or gums; and (3) generally recognized as safe and effective. Latest action (2025-02-11): Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Why this matters
Expanding the qualified medical expense definition shifts tax treatment for millions of account holders: consumers using FSA/HRA/HSA/Archer MSA funds for these dental products would effectively pay less by using pre-tax dollars, while federal revenue would decline modestly. The bill continues a pattern (e.g., CARES Act OTC expansion, menstrual products) of Congress incrementally broadening Section 213(d)-linked eligibility rather than restructuring the accounts themselves.