Kids of all ages can end up with cavities and gum problems if their teeth and gums aren’t taken care of properly. That’s why, in addition to teaching your children about the importance of brushing and flossing, it’s necessary to take them to the dentist regularly so they can receive professional level care.
If you’re like a lot of parents, you might be concerned about the cost of high-quality dental care for kids, but dental insurance can help you afford every visit without breaking the bank. That’s right: in the same way that adults benefit from having dental coverage, kids can too!
To better understand the perks of signing up for dental insurance for kids, check out the FAQs below.
Does Health Insurance Cover Kids Dental Care?
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), dental care for individuals up to 18 years of age is considered essential, so insurance companies have to offer dental insurance for kids. However, buying this type of insurance is optional, so you won’t get hit with a penalty if you don’t have pediatric dental insurance. Also, in most states, you won’t be required to have this insurance, but check your local laws to be sure.
If you do want to get this insurance for your kids, you can get coverage that comes as part of a medical plan, or you can decide to purchase a standalone plan that’s separate from your medical insurance policy. It’s important to compare the level of coverage offered by both of these options. You might discover that a standalone dental plan is more comprehensive.
Do Kids Need Dental Insurance?
Maintaining dental health for kids is extremely important. Therefore, having dental insurance can be helpful, especially when it comes to affording expensive checkups, treatments, and orthodontics.
Dental insurance can be there to help cover the cost of the following:
• Exams• X-rays
• Cleanings
• Preventive care
• Treatment for cavities and early childhood caries
• Emergency treatment of injuries and damage caused by accidents
• Fluoride treatments
• Orthodontics for aligning teeth and fixing bite problems
When Should I Get Dental Coverage for My Child?
By now, you might be wondering if you need to go ahead and get dental insurance for a baby or toddler. And you might be thinking about what’s covered under pediatric dental insurance.
When do kids need dental insurance? Well, you can get coverage for your baby so they can visit the dentist by the time their first tooth grows in. Plus, getting this type of insurance so early on in a child’s life can be a smart move because the dentist will keep an eye on their mouth as it grows, and will also be able to identify the earliest signs of problems that need to be treated promptly.
Whether your children end up with cavities in their baby teeth, your dentist realizes that they would benefit from orthodontics, or anything in between, having the right insurance can give you peace of mind. You’ll receive support that can help you afford all of the appointments and treatments necessary to maintain your kids’ oral health.
Getting Dental Insurance for Kids Is Easy!
Shopping for dental insurance that will cover your children is simple, especially if you’re already accustomed to buying insurance for yourself and your family.
You can start by comparing plans on the Direct Benefits Marketplace. Consider how much you can afford in out-of-pocket costs, the level of coverage that you’d prefer, and the dental professionals that you want to continue using.
Once you’ve found the right plan, you can sign up quickly and easily. Then, you can start taking your kids to the dentist without always worrying about how much it’s going to cost.