Finding dental insurance for yourself is difficult enough, here’s how to make sure your kids are covered too! After all, according to the Chicago Dental Society, tooth decay is the most chronic disease in children. Making sure your kids get coverage for the routine dental care they need is a great step toward keeping them happy and healthy.

There are a few different ways to make sure your kids are insured:

• Dental insurance for children through group or employer-sponsored health insurance
• Dental insurance for children through Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans
• Dental discount plans through Medicaid or CHIP
• Dental discount plans for children

Do my kids need dental insurance?

Children need routine dental care, and some form of dental insurance coverage can make that dental care more affordable.

According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, of kids 6-11 17% have cavities. Of children 12+, 57% have cavities with 17% of those cavities going untreated. Untreated cavities, can lead to things like tooth loss and speech problems. All of these issues are preventable with proper dental care and hygiene – both of which can be made affordable with insurance.

If you get insurance through work, you may receive coverage through your health insurance or dental plan. Check with your benefits department if you have questions around your benefits.

Not only getting your kids the care they need creates a healthy start, it will help create good habits around dental hygiene for years to come.

Do ACA health plans cover dental insurance for kids?

ACA health plans cover dental insurance for children.

Since the ACA considers dental care an “essential benefit” for children up to age 18, coverage will be available through plans either as a part of a health plan or a separate policy. It’s important to note that purchasing kid’s dental insurance is optional with an ACA plan.

If you qualify for ACA premium subsidies, these subsidies will only apply to plans bundled with your health insurance plan. This means these subsidies will not cover standalone dental plans.

Be sure to double check the coverage under the dental insurance plan you purchase. Some plans only cover fluoride treatments while others provide more comprehensive coverage.

Standalone dental plans generally include more coverage than the dental services bundled with ACA health plans. eHealth can help you get started looking for an ACA plan to get dental insurance for your kids! If you’re looking for more robust coverage, we can also help you find a stand-alone dental plan to help get your and your kids’ dental needs covered.

Can I get dental insurance for my kids if I don’t have dental insurance?

Yes, if you don’t have dental insurance, or don’t think it’s the right choice for your situation, there are options for you and your child.

You can look into dental discount plans or health insurance for through Medicaid or CHIP programs. While Dental discount plans aren’t insurance, they can provide discounts for certain dental services. You may also find some discount plans that include vision and prescription drug discounts.

Can I get dental insurance for my kids if they’re on a government assisted health insurance plan?

Yes, you can get dental insurance for your kids if they’re on a government assisted health insurance plan such as Medicaid or CHIP.

Where should I start looking for dental insurance for my kids?

eHealth is a great place to start looking for dental insurance for both you and your kids. Start comparing plans available in your area now or give us a call to talk to one of our health insurance advisors to help make the right decision for your needs.