Knowing the Drill: How the ACA—Affordable (Health) Care Act--Affects Your Dental Care

So…you enrolled in one of the health plans offered on a government or state-sponsored marketplace via the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Congratulations…that’s one less thing to worry about!

But did you know that the majority of those plans do not include dental care? It’s true. Yours very well may not. And since dental health is a critical part of your overall health…you’re probably thinking “great…now what?”

Don’t panic. Here are some things you need to know, as well as, a terrific and cost-effective solution. Please read on.

The ACA and Children

While the ACA defines dental care for children (up to age 19) as an Essential Health Benefit (EHB), that only means that dental insurance has to be OFFERED by the government (not necessarily PURCHASED by you)*. Most often, these policies are available as stand-alone policies, separate from a family’s medical plan, and purchased separately—but not without purchasing a health plan.

So what are parents who need dental benefits for their children to do? Well, if they haven’t bought an ACA health plan that happens to include a pediatric dental component or didn’t already purchase that separate dental plan, they are out of luck via the government or state marketplace. So that leaves two options: 1. purchasing dental insurance through an independent broker, or 2. coming to :DentalPlans for a simple, very affordable alternative to insurance. We suggest you assess your children’s future dental needs (Cleanings? Braces? Fillings?), and read more about dental savings plans below.

*Note: Some states, (CT, for example), offer pediatric dental care in all of its plans, while a few others (WA, NV) actually do require the purchase of a stand-alone plan for children. Each state and plan has its own specifications regarding services offered and setting things like deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance. Call us if you have any specific questions at 1-855-707-8872. We’re here to help.

The ACA and Adults

Under the ACA, dental plans for adults are strictly optional, but can be purchased as a separate policy via heathcare.gov, IF a medical plan has also been purchased in that marketplace.

Furthermore, as Baby Boomers retire, 98% of them will lose whatever employer-paid insurance they had (including dental, if it was ever available). This means that going forward, seniors will either have to pay out-of-pocket for dental expenses or seek another option (and Medicare Advantage has never provided comprehensive coverage).

This, again means researching and buying a dental insurance plan through one of many companies/brokers, or coming straight to :DentalPlans for a non-insurance alternative.

The :DentalPlans Solution

When you purchase  a dental plan from :DentalPlans, you can expect instant peace of mind. As the largest dental savings plan marketplace, we offer more than 40 affordable options that accommodate every individual’s or family’s needs and budget. With one low membership fee, you’ll save up to 60% on most procedures at more than 100,000 participating dentists’ offices.

Call us at 1-855-707-8872 anytime and learn how you can be fully prepared, obtain and maintain optimum health, and save!

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