Dental coverage in the Marketplace
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’t buy a Marketplace dental plan unless you’re buying a health plan at the same time.
Dental coverage is available 2 ways
Health plans that include dental coverage. Dental coverage is included in some Marketplace health plans. You can see which plans include dental coverage when you compare them.
If a health plan includes dental, the premium covers both health and dental coverage.Separate, stand-alone dental plans. In some cases separate, stand-alone plans are offered. You can see them when you shop for plans in the Marketplace.
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 income and household questions. You can then preview health plans with dental, and stand-alone dental plans.
Dental plan categories: High and low
There are 2 categories of Marketplace dental plans: High and low.
- The high coverage level has higher premiums but lower copayments and deductibles. So you'll pay more every month, but 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 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 & 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 is an essential health benefit for children. 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.
More answers: Dental coverage & the Marketplace
- Do I have to pay a penalty if I don’t have dental coverage?
No. Dental coverage is optional, even for children. So you don't need it to avoid the penalty for being uncovered.
- Can I cancel my Marketplace dental coverage and still keep my health coverage?
It depends.
- If you have a separate, stand-alone dental plan, you can cancel any time. Learn how to cancel a stand-alone dental plan while keeping your health plan.
- If you’re enrolled in a health plan with dental benefits, you can change health plans only if you have a life event that qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period. If you qualify, you can choose a new health plan with or without dental coverage. But you can’t get dental coverage by itself.