Affordable health and dental insurance

If you’re confused about the Affordable Health Care Act—also known as the ACA, ObamaCare, heathcare.gov, or the insurance Marketplace - and how it impacts the costs associated with dental care, you’ve come to the right place.

:DentalPlans is your one-stop resource for all things dental, from our savings plan offerings to providing the information that you need to make the best choices about your dental health.

Since the ACA is so complex, we’ve created an information center with news, fact sheets for parents, adults, seniors, caregivers, self-employed people and small business owners. You can browse the most frequently asked questions (and answers) about ACA, and access critical information on dental health and the most affordable ways to access the care that you and your loved ones need.

Open Enrollment for 2017 health insurance begins November 1, 2016, and runs through January 31, 2017.

However, if you are a first-time buyer or are changing your plan, and want coverage to begin by January 1, 2017, you must enroll by December 15, 2016.

Even if you are happy with your existing coverage through the Federal or state Marketplaces, you should review your plan and any other available options during the Open Enrollment period. Premiums are set to rise for unsubsidized plans by an average 25% across the nation, and many insurance providers have left the Marketplace. You may need or want to switch your coverage.

Need Dental Insurance?

With the rising cost of premiums, and the notable lack of dental coverage options for adults under Obamacare, it makes sense to explore off-market options for reducing dental costs.

Traditional dental insurance plans help you fit the cost of expensive dental treatments into your budget. Most dental insurance plans cover 100% of the cost of preventative care such as cleanings, checkups and x-rays, 80% of basic treatments such as fillings, and 50% of more complex procedures such as root canals and crowns. The coverage begins after you have met your deductible – which is typically $50-$150 annually.

When you purchase a dental insurance plan, you’ll likely choose between dental HMO or PPO plans.

Dental PPO plans allow you to get care from any dentist or dental specialist – though you’ll save more on your care if you stay in-network. And while you’ll usually be able to see a dentist whenever you want with a PPO plan, as a new plan member you’re likely to have to wait for months before your plan provides coverage for more expensive treatments such as bridges and crowns.

Dental HMO insurance plans require members to stay within network for treatment. All referrals to dental specialists must be provided by the primary dentist. While there is often no waiting period imposed before coverage kicks in, an HMO plan may limit the number of times that you can see a dentist annually.

PPO premiums – the price you pay for your insurance - tend to be higher than those for HMO plans. But no matter which type of plan you choose, there will be a low annual coverage limit. Virtually all dental insurance plans cap coverage at $1200-$1500 annually.

Reduce Dental Costs With Dental Savings Plans

Dental savings plans are an affordable alternative to traditional dental insurance. Plan members save 10%-60% on dental care costs. And dental savings plans do not have spending caps, exclusions for pre-existing conditions, or waiting periods (most plans activate within 72 hours, or sooner) associated with insurance.

And if you’re struggling to meet out-of-pocket costs, you’ll be happy to know that many of the plans offered by :DentalPlans also include savings on general healthcare needs, including vision and hearing services, prescriptions, chiropractic, and more. Our telemedicine plan includes free consultations with doctors who can diagnose, treat and prescribe medication for common ailments and conditions.