WASHINGTON — New survey findings from the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) reveal that more than eight in 10 (83%) Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) holders would use those funds to purchase everyday oral care products such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, and mouthwash if eligible, highlighting strong interest in greater flexibility to use existing healthcare dollars for preventive oral care.
Interest is especially high among families and younger adults. Ninety-one percent of HSA/FSA account holders with children under 18 say they would use those funds for everyday oral care products if eligible, as well as 89% of account holders ages 18-49.
The findings come at a time when Americans overwhelmingly recognize the importance of maintaining proper oral health, including brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. Nearly nine in 10 Americans (88%) understand oral health can affect overall health, and 91% agree that caring for their teeth and gums today can help prevent chronic and costly health problems later in life.
“Oral health is whole body health, and Americans clearly understand the importance of caring for their teeth and gums as part of a healthy lifestyle,” said Scott Melville, president and CEO of CHPA. “Our survey shows consumers want more flexibility to use the healthcare dollars they've already set aside on the products they rely on every day to support good oral health.”
The survey also found that some consumers are adjusting their oral care purchasing habits. About one in seven consumers reported purchasing oral care products less frequently (14%) or switching to lower-cost brands (14%) during the past year. Others reduced their use of certain products (11%) or delayed replacing products (9%).
“Good oral health starts with daily care, and everyday essentials like toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental floss are an important part of maintaining health and preventing disease,” said Dr. Rich Rosato, president of the American Dental Association. “Making oral health products HSA and FSA eligible would help make preventive care more affordable while potentially reducing health care costs down the road. The American Dental Association supports legislation that makes this possible for our patients.”
Under current law, Americans can already use HSA and FSA funds for many self-care expenses, including over-the-counter medicines, but many products used every day to maintain oral health remain excluded, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss. The bipartisan Oral Health Products Inclusion Act (H.R. 1219) would address this gap by expanding HSA/FSA eligibility to include certain everyday oral care products.
“Preventive oral care should be treated like the other everyday healthcare needs families already use these accounts to support,” Melville said. “Giving consumers greater flexibility to use healthcare dollars they’ve already set aside is a simple way to make prevention more accessible.”
The nationwide survey was conducted among 1,200 U.S. adults age 21 and older, including 1,000 registered voters, from August 14-17. The survey was designed to be nationally representative and weighted against census and voter data.
The complete survey findings and methodology can be viewed here: https://www.chpa.org/new-survey-oral-care-access
