Health Care Reform Resources

As of October 1, 2013, individuals and small groups of less than 50 employees are able to shop for health and dental benefits through the health insurance exchange, the new online insurance marketplace.

In addition to medical insurance, stand-alone pediatric dental plans are considered an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that was signed into law in 2010. As part of the essential health benefits determined by ACA, pediatric dental benefits are required to be a part of individual and small group plans. This mandate will ensure that children have access to basic coverage for preventive and diagnostic services that can lead to better overall health.

Purchasing a stand-alone dental plan either on or off the exchange can satisfy the pediatric dental requirement. You do not have to purchase dental coverage through a medical carrier. This is important to know because if you purchase dental through a medical carrier, you (or your employee) will pay a much higher amount before the dental benefits are covered at 100%. That is because the dental services that are part of a medical plan must meet the higher deductible and out-of-pocket maximums of the medical insurance.

The bottom line is there is no need to disrupt your or your employees’ dental benefits. Pediatric Dental EHB coverage can be obtained through a stand-alone policy like you have today with Delta Dental of Minnesota.