Dental Insurance
What is dental insurance?
The health of your teeth and gums is a crucial part of your overall health. Dental insurance helps you by encouraging you to get regular cleaning (included at no cost in many plans) and by covering some of the costs associated with dental procedures.
Dental insurance has never really been included in medical (health) insurance, but some employer plans will bundle these two types of insurance together. Additionally, you will sometimes find vision insurance included, or see dental insurance plans that include vision coverage.
Dental insurance is complex, and it is important to read the fine print so you know exactly what your policy covers and what percentage of each type of procedure your plan will pay.
If you are under 65 and not yet covered by Medicare
In the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace for those below age 65, you will find health plans with and without dental benefits. If your ACA health plan has no dental benefits, you can still purchase an additional policy to add this important coverage. You cannot, however, but a dental plan in the Marketplace unless you are also buying a health insurance plan at the same time.
Adult dental insurance coverage is not something that is required under the ACA law. But dental coverage for children (pediatric dental) is defined in the Affordable Care Act as and essential health benefit and therefore must be offered as part of each health plan or as a separate policy.
Those over the age of 65 and/or on Medicare
Medicare does not cover the vast majority of dental care. There are a few minor exceptions to this, but it is best to think of dental insurance as totally separate from Medicare coverage. Unless you have a separate policy, you will most likely pay 100% of your dental care costs.
It is important to note that many Medicare Advantage plans (those Part C plans) offer some dental coverage. Each plan is different and we can assist in helping you evaluate which Medicare Advantage plan offers the kind of dental coverage that best meets your needs.
The James Agency recommends Best One Dental Insurance. Click Learn more about Best One and get your personalized quote.
