More than eight in 10 health savings account and flexible spending account holders would use their funds for everyday over-the-counter oral care products if federal law allowed it, according to a survey released Oct. 7 by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, a national trade association for manufacturers and marketers of consumer healthcare products.
The nationwide survey of 1,200 U.S. adults ages 21 and older was conducted Aug. 14 to 17 and weighted to be nationally representative. The release did not say how many respondents held health savings or flexible spending accounts.
Here are four notes from the survey and related legislation:
- Eighty-three percent of account holders said they would use their funds on everyday oral care products such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss and mouthwash if permitted. That figure rose to 91% among account holders with children under 18.
- Among all adults surveyed, 88% said they understand 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, about 14% of consumers bought oral care products less frequently, 14% switched to lower-cost brands, 11% reduced their use of certain products and 9% delayed replacing products.
- Under current federal law, HSA and FSA funds can cover many over-the-counter medicines, but toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash and floss generally are excluded. The bipartisan Oral Health Products Inclusion Act, H.R. 1219, would expand eligibility to certain everyday oral care products.
