What does Obamacare say about Dental Insurance?
Dental Insurance in Obamacare?
Obamacare. That’s a loaded word right? Regardless of where you fall on the opinion spectrum there are some real facts that affect everyone in the country related to healthcare and even dental care. Even though the Affordable Care Act was passed on March 23, 2010, it’s roll out and effects are still being felt today. Let’s take a closer look at the ACA and what is means for dental insurance.
Does Obamacare include dental insurance?
This is another loaded question. In broad terms the answer is no as the Affordable Care Act or ACA mostly affects health insurance and how medical coverage is offered. However, even though the ACA primarily deals with health care and health insurance it does have a specific provision for dental coverage for children. Let’s explore this in more detail.
What does pediatric dental coverage mean for Obamacare?
The ACA includes a provision that states that dental coverage for children under the age of 18 is considered an Essential Benefit for medical plans. This means that health insurance plans must offer or include an option for dental coverage for children under 18 in their health plan. This could be through stand alone dental plans or included in a medical plan. However, the provision only states that this coverage is to be made available. It’s not required that members take it or buy this additional coverage.
Clear as mud right? Basically what it boils down to is that children under 18 must have access to dental coverage if they want it and they will not be penalized if they don’t take the coverage. That’s easier to understand.
What about dental coverage for adults?
Although dental insurance is a recommended benefit, there is no requirement in the ACA for adults to purchase a dental insurance plan. It’s a completely optional benefit. However, dental insurance is readily available through various websites such as EasyDentalQuotes where members can find dental plans their area. Dental is often the perfect complement to one’s medical coverage.
Will the government require dental insurance in the future?
If we try to look into the crystal ball, we really just don’t know how the government will treat dental care in the future. It could become a required benefit or it may remain as optional coverage to pair with your medical plan. Regardless the best course of action for most is to decide if dental insurance is right for you and your family. Dental insurance has many benefits which we explore in other articles, but the good news is that for today and the foreseeable future the choice is yours.
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