Tips for Submitting Claims

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Expenses

• The IRS requires that a merchant-generated receipt or statement be provided as supporting documentation for each item purchased. The receipt or statement must include all the following pieces of information, which cannot be handwritten on the receipt or statement:
  • Date of purchase
  • Name of OTC item
  • Amount paid for OTC item
• The item must be purchased in a reasonable quantity. Items must be purchased with the intent that they will be used within the current calendar year. For example, it would not be acceptable to purchase 48 bottles of aspirin at the end of the year.

Vision Services

• If you have a vision benefit plan, the provider receipt must include indication of the vision benefit or discount (not handwritten or an estimate).
• If the expense is covered by your insurance plan, include a copy of the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your vision benefit.

Dental Services

• The documentation submitted with your claim must indicate when the service was received, not billed.
• Balance forward or account payment statements will not be accepted as documentation.
• If the provider statement indicates an estimate of coverage submitted to dental plan or payment pending, include a copy of the Explanation of Benefits, (EOB) from your dental plan. Your claim will not be processed until the EOB is received.

Orthodontia Claims

Orthodontia treatment programs can take several years to complete, meaning you may be making payments and submitting claims over a longer period of time. For fastest processing, submit a claim and upload the following documentation.

Orthodontic contract which includes:

• The patient’s name
• The date the services began
• The length of the treatment
• Any discounts you receive
• Insurance benefit, if applicable
• The total orthodontic contract amount due
• Payment option selected (see below)

If you have a lump sum payment plan where the contract is paid in one or two large payments:

• Make sure the dollar amount you’re requesting matches the orthodontia contract.
• If the dollar amount submitted does not match your orthodontia contract, send a receipt indicating orthodontia payment and that it is non-refundable.

If you have a payment plan where payments are made over a period of time, such as monthly or quarterly:

Include at least one of the following items (must indicate orthodontic services and name of the service provider):

• A copy of the coupon book payment slip with the due date
• A copy of a bill showing the amount due
• A copy of a paid receipt — not a canceled check
• A copy of your orthodontist’s book showing the payment

Expenses not covered

• Late payment fees
• Fees for missed appointments
• Interest payments for services charged to a credit card or other financial agreements.

Frequently Asked Questions