One of the changes coming with the new healthcare law on January 1, 2014 is that children’s dental care will become part of the Essential Benefits package. This applies to all children under the age of 19. All insurance plans will be required to offer a minimal level of coverage in the form of Essential Health Benefits.
Essential Health Benefits include at least the following items and services:
- Emergency services
- Hospitalizations
- Laboratory services
- Maternity care
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment
- Outpatient, or ambulatory care
- Pediatric care
- Prescription drugs
- Preventive care
- Rehabilitative and habilitative (helping maintain daily functioning) services
- Vision and dental care for children
— OBAMACARE FACTS
Unfortunately for adults, dental is not considered an essential health benefit. If, as an adult,
you do not have dental coverage through an employer, you can purchase a stand-alone
dental plan. The advantage of this option is you’ll be able to choose a dental plan that fits your needs and you won’t have to reach a high deductible before being able to have your dental coverage.
“Dental services are often divided into different coverage levels. Level I services include
semiannual examinations, semiannual cleaning, x-rays and diagnosis. Most plans cover at least preventive and diagnostic care. Level II (basic services) includes simple restoration (fillings), crowns and jackets, repair of crowns, extractions and endodontics (root canals and internal pulp treatment). Level III (major services) includes dentures, bridges and replacement of bridges and dentures. In order to emphasize prevention, many plans cover the Level I services at higher reimbursement levels than Level II or III services.”
— healthinsurance.org
If you are currently uninsured and wish to purchase health insurance, or are interested in learning about our affordable dental coverage, call us at 1-800-927-3566.
Don’t forget: If you make less than 400% of the federal poverty level ($93,700 as a family or $46,021 as an individual), you may be eligible to receive subsidies and tax credits that will go toward the purchase of your insurance plan.