April 14, 2017

Health insurance that includes Dental

In the Health Insurance Marketplace, you can get dental coverage 2 ways: as part of a health plan, or by itself through a separate, stand-alone dental plan.

Important: You can buy a dental plan through the federal Marketplace only when you enroll in a health plan at the same time.

Dental coverage is available 2 ways

Health plans that include dental coverage. In the Marketplace, dental coverage is included in some health plans. You can see which plans include dental coverage when you compare them.

If a health plan includes dental coverage, you’ll pay one monthly premium for both. The premium shown for the plan includes both health and dental coverage.
Separate, stand-alone dental plans. In some cases separate, stand-alone plans are offered. You may want this if the health coverage you choose doesn’t include dental coverage, or if you want different dental coverage.

If you choose a separate dental plan, you’ll pay a separate, additional premium.

How to preview dental plans

Click the button below and answer a few questions about you and your household. Then you will have the option of previewing health plans or stand-alone dental plans.

How to get Marketplace dental coverage

When you complete your Marketplace application and get your results, you can select a health plan that include dental coverage. If you decide you want a stand-alone dental plan, you can choose one after you select your health plan.

Note: You can’t buy a dental plan from the Marketplace unless you’re enrolling in a Marketplace health plan at the same time.

Dental plan categories: High and low

There are 2 categories of Marketplace dental plans: High and low coverage levels.

The high coverage level has higher premiums but lower copayments and deductibles. So you'll pay more every month, but you’ll pay less when you use dental services.
The low coverage level has lower premiums but higher copayments and deductibles. So you’ll pay less every month, but you'll pay more when you use dental services.

When you compare dental plans in the Marketplace, you’ll find details about each plan’s costs, copayments, deductibles, and services covered.

Adult and child dental insurance in the Marketplace

Under the health care law, dental insurance is treated differently for adults and children 18 and under.

Dental coverage for children is an essential health benefit. This means if you’re getting health coverage for someone 18 or younger, dental coverage must be available for your child either as part of a health plan or as a stand-alone plan. Note: While dental coverage for children must be available to you, you don’t have to buy it.
Dental coverage isn't an essential health benefit for adults. Insurers don’t have to offer adult dental coverage.

Note: Under the health care law, most people must have health coverage or pay a fee. Dental coverage is optional, even for children. So you don't need it to avoid the penalty.