Survey: 83% of HSA and FSA Holders Would Use Funds on Oral Care Products

Edited by Hygienetown staff

More than 8 in 10 health savings account and flexible spending account holders would use those funds to buy everyday over-the-counter oral care products if federal law allowed it, according to survey findings released Oct. 7 by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association.

The survey found that 83% of HSA and FSA account holders would use their funds for products such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, and mouthwash. Interest was highest among account holders with children younger than 18, at 91%, and among those ages 18–49, at 89%.

Under current federal law, HSA and FSA funds can be used for many self-care expenses, including over-the-counter medicines. Everyday oral care products such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss remain excluded.

The Oral Health Products Inclusion Act, H.R. 1219, would expand eligibility to certain everyday oral care products. Rep. Jefferson Van Drew, R-N.J., introduced the bipartisan bill Feb. 11, 2025, with Reps. Brad Schneider, D-Ill., Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., and Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif. It was referred to the House Ways and Means Committee.

The survey also asked about oral health and cost. Among respondents, 88% understood that oral health can affect overall health, and 91% agreed that caring for their teeth and gums can help prevent chronic and costly health problems later in life. Over the past year, 14% said they bought oral care products less often and 14% said they switched to lower-cost brands. Another 11% said they reduced their use of certain products, and 9% said they delayed replacing products.

ADA President Richard Rosato said making oral health products HSA and FSA eligible would make preventive care more affordable and could reduce health care costs over time. He said the ADA supports legislation that would make that possible. CHPA President and CEO Scott Melville said consumers want more flexibility to use health care dollars they have already set aside.

The nationwide survey was conducted Aug. 14–17 among 1,200 U.S. adults age 21 and older, including 1,000 registered voters. It was weighted to be nationally representative against census and voter data. CHPA is a national trade association representing manufacturers and marketers of consumer health care products.

Sources:
Consumer Healthcare Products Association, “New Survey: Overwhelming Majority of HSA/FSA Account Holders Ready to Use Funds for Oral Care,” Oct. 7, 2026: https://www.chpa.org/news/2026/10/new-survey-overwhelming-majority-hsafsa-account-holders-ready-use-funds-oral-care
ADA News, “Survey finds strong interest in using HSA, FSA funds for oral care products,” Oct. 8, 2026: adanews.ada.org/2026/october/hsa-fsa-oral-care-products
U.S. Government Publishing Office, H.R. 1219, Oral Health Products Inclusion Act, introduced House text, Feb. 11, 2025: govinfo.gov/app/details/BILLS-119hr1219ih