There are 2 ways to get dental coverage in the Marketplace:
- Health plans that include dental coverage. Some Marketplace health plans include dental coverage. 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. If you want dental coverage that’s not included in your health plan, you can buy a stand-alone dental plan. 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.
Important: You can get a stand-alone dental plan only if you’re also buying a health plan at the same time.
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. However, 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.
What are the different dental plan categories?
There are 2 categories of Marketplace dental plans. They’re based on how you and the plan share the total costs for dental care:
- High: The high coverage level has higher premiums, but lower copayments and deductibles. This means you’ll pay more each month, but less when you use dental services. These plans usually benefit people who use dental services often.
- Low: The low coverage level has lower premiums, but higher copayments and deductibles. This means you’ll pay less every month, but more when you use dental services. These plans usually benefit people who don’t use dental services often.
These categories apply only to the child dental coverage essential health benefit. When you compare dental plans, you’ll find details about each plan’s costs, copayments, deductibles, and covered services.
Do I need to buy dental coverage?
No. You’re not required to have dental coverage and you won’t have to pay a penalty if you don’t have dental coverage.
Can I cancel my Marketplace dental coverage and still keep my health coverage?
It depends on how you get your dental coverage:
- If you’re enrolled in a health plan that includes dental coverage, you can change health plans only if you have a qualifying life event that makes you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. If you qualify, you can choose a new health plan with or without dental coverage.
- If you have a separate, stand-alone dental plan, you can cancel in one of these ways:
- Cancel on HealthCare.gov. Learn more.
- Contact your plan directly.
- Call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325).