Can I use my benefit for a vision and dental plan?

Good news! You can absolutely use your ICHRA benefit allowance for vision and dental, as long as there's a health plan linked to it. Meaning, you can't use your ICHRA health benefit dollars only for vision & dental. (Psst, that's an IRS rule, not ours.)

Need some guidance on picking the right plan? We've got your back!

How to Pick the Right Dental and Vision Plan

With so many options out there, here are some key tips to help you make a choice that fits your needs:

1-Assess Your Needs

Start by asking yourself a few key questions: 

• Do you or your family need regular eye exams or wear glasses/contacts?
• Are you expecting dental procedures (fillings, orthodontics, or cleanings)? 
• Do you have any ongoing or anticipated dental conditions? 
• What services do you want covered most?

2-Check Plan Networks

Most dental and vision plans have a network of providers. Using in-network providers typically means lower out-of-pocket costs.  Before choosing a plan, check:

• Is your current dentist or eye doctor in-network? 
• Are there conveniently located providers near your home or work? 

You can use a network lookup tool to see what’s available in your zip code. Or, contact your dentist directly to be sure.

3-Compare Coverage and Benefits

Review what each plan includes. Key things to look for: 

• Preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays)
• Major dental work (crowns, root canals, orthodontics)
• Vision exams, glasses, and contact lenses. 

Choose a plan that covers the services you’re most likely to use. 

4-Understand the Costs

Dental and vision plans typically include:

• Monthly or annual premiums
• Copays for office visits, procedures
• Deductibles (what you pay before coverage kicks in)
• Annual maximums (the most the plan will pay each year). 

Balance the premium against the potential out-of-pocket costs you may incur. 

5-Review Waiting Periods

Some plans have waiting periods for certain services, especially major dental work or vision hardware (like glasses or contacts). Be sure to check when coverage starts and whether you’ll need services right away.

6-Is There an Open Enrollment Period for Dental and Vision Plans?

Dental & Vision plans can be purchased any time of year, while health plans can only be purchased during open enrollment or if you have a qualifying life event. This just means if you want to choose dental at another time, you can do that.

If you have any questions or want some one-on-one guidance from a broker, reach out to brokers@stretchdollar.com.