As you embrace the golden years of retirement in sunny Florida, you may spend more time relaxing, traveling, and spending time with loved ones. But you should also keep in mind that as you age, your dental health becomes even more important. Finding the right dentist in Lakeland, FL, or other city near you, is crucial.
Additionally, you may need to figure out how to pay for dental services now that you’re no longer on an employer-sponsored insurance plan. The good news is that several options may be at your disposal, from using your Health Savings Account (HSA) to withdrawing funds from a 401(k) or 403(b). Read on to learn more about retirement accounts you can use to pay for dental services and ways to access affordable dental care so you can maintain a healthy smile.
Health Savings Account (HSA)
If you have an HSA, or a tax-advantaged account that allows you to save money for medical expenses, you can use it to cover any type of expense after you turn 65, including dental services. The contributions made to an HSA are tax-deductible, and any withdrawals used for qualified medical expenses are tax-free. Going this route may lower your out-of-pocket costs.
You can continue contributing to an HSA even after retirement age, as long as you have a high-deductible health plan. Additionally, unused funds roll over from year to year, so it can serve as a long-term savings account for future medical expenses.
Traditional Or Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA)
Another solid option to consider when exploring how to cover dental expenses is an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). If you’ve reached the age of 59.5, you can freely withdraw from your IRA without attracting the standard 10% early withdrawal penalty. This makes it an appealing option for retirees seeking a way to fund their health needs.
Both traditional and Roth IRAs can be utilized to pay for dental services in retirement. For traditional IRAs, your withdrawals will get taxed the year you make them, but you won’t have to pay any additional penalties. With a Roth IRA, on the other hand, withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free. This implies that if you’re using a Roth IRA to cover dental services, you won’t typically face a tax bill.
401(K) Or 403(B) Plan
If you have a 401(k) or 403(b) plan, you may consider it a nest egg, or safety net for living comfortably in retirement. However, you can also use these employer-sponsored retirement savings funds to cover medical expenses, including dental services. If you’re over 59.5 years old, you can withdraw the funds from your account without having to pay the 10% early withdrawal penalty.
How To Get Affordable Dental Care
In retirement, maintaining excellent dental health is vital, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. A variety of options can help you receive affordable dental care:
- Consider a dental discount plan: Dental discount plans are memberships where you pay an annual fee in return for significant discounts on dental procedures. It’s not insurance, but it can offer savings on a wide array of dental services.
- Visit a health center or clinic: Some community health centers and clinics offer free or low-cost dental services. They often operate on a sliding scale, so you pay what you can afford.
- Use veteran’s benefits: If you’re a veteran, you may be eligible for dental benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Check with your local VA office to see what services are available.
The Bottom Line
Managing dental expenses in your retirement years doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Consider drawing on funds from one of your retirement accounts to ensure your dental health doesn’t take a back seat. Additionally, you can get more affordable dental care by considering dental discount plans, visiting a center or clinic that offers free or low-cost dental services, or using veteran’s benefits. If you want to learn more about dental care expenses, such as how much veneers cost, consult a dentist to learn more about costs and your options. By utilizing your retirement accounts and taking advantage of the money-saving tips outlined above, you can ensure that your smile stays healthy and bright well into your golden years, all while keeping your finances in check.
