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Finding dental insurance for Kids is an important step in ensuring their well-being. Because tooth decay is the most common chronic condition among children, doing everything possible to avoid it promises a brighter future for your child.

Although dentists suggest that children get their first exam by their first birthday, it’s never too early to begin.  But what types of dental insurance are available for children, and how do you get it?’

Does Your Child Need Dental Insurance?

Dental care establishes a strong base for your child’s oral health. However, it also helps them maintain their self-esteem. Purchasing affordable supplemental children’s dental coverage is an excellent investment if dental insurance isn’t covered through an employer-sponsored policy.

Cavities affect 17 percent of children aged 6 to 11 years old, according to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Cavities affect 57 percent of older children, with 17 percent going untreated. Tooth decay, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and speech difficulties. The good news is that dental decay can be avoided. Preventative care can be cheap with dental insurance.

It’s easier than you think to find dental insurance for toddlers, children, and teenagers. A HealthMarkets agent can assess your requirements and assist you in locating a suitable plan within your budget.

Does ACA Health Include Dental Insurance for Kids?

Dental care for children under the age of 18 is considered an “essential health benefit” under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). That implies coverage is offered as part of a health plan or as a stand-alone plan through your state’s healthcare exchange. It is optional to get children’s dental insurance under an ACA health plan.

If you apply for premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, they will only apply to plans that are packaged with your health insurance. Standalone dental plans will not be covered by subsidies.

Make sure you know what’s covered before buying a dental plan for your kids on the exchange. Some plans solely cover fluoride treatments, while others cover a wider range of services. In general, standalone policies cover more dental services than those that are combined with health insurance.

What Does Kids’ Dental Insurance Cover?

Dental insurance for children varies by state, company, and plan type. The following are some examples of services that could be included:

  • Basic examinations and cleanings are required.
  • Preventative medicine.
  • Treatments with fluoride.

Dental Care for Children With No Insurance

There are options, such as dental discount plans and Medicaid/CHIP programs, if you’re not sure whether obtaining dental insurance is the appropriate choice for your child.

Dental discount plans aren’t insurance, but they can help you save money on dental care. Some savings plans also offer discounts on eyesight and prescriptions.

Free Dental Insurance for Kids

If the cost of dental insurance for your children is an issue, there are state-funded solutions for low-income families to explore.

Do your homework. You might be eligible for your state’s Medicaid or CHIP program, which offers low-cost or no-cost dental insurance to children. For further information, contact your state’s department.

How Do I Find the Right Dental Insurance for My Child?

When combing through copays, deductibles, and premiums, it might be tough to know how to find the best dental insurance for your child. However, HealthMarkets makes it simple.

When and why to get coverage

Cavities can develop as quickly as teeth appear in babies as early as 6 months of age, so consider acquiring dental insurance as soon as possible. Your dentist will examine your child’s smile to see if it’s healthy, as well as provide helpful information on dental disease prevention, nutrition, and development. Parents may experience emotional and financial consequences as a result of this.

Cavities can occur in youngsters as early as their first birthday. Cavities in children can cause pain, difficulty eating, and speaking, as well as infections that can harm permanent teeth that are forming beneath their gums. Very young children may need to be treated in a hospital while under general anesthesia if the cavities are severe or large.

More than 20% of children have cavities by the age of five, and over 10% have untreated decay. Dental problems that begin in childhood are more likely to persist into adulthood. Fortunately, most childhood dental illnesses can be avoided by practicing good oral hygiene, eating a healthy diet, and visiting the dentist regularly.

Dental insurance makes care more inexpensive, and children with it are twice as likely as those without it to obtain dental services. And a healthy smile is even important for learning, as students with poor oral health usually have lower grades and are absent more often than those students with good oral health.

What to look for in a coverage

The range of coverage varies by plan. When comparing plans, be sure to look over what is and isn’t covered. Think about your kids’ ages and what they’ll need in the coming year. Look for plans that cover all or almost all of the costs of preventive care (exams, cleanings, and X-rays) as well as basic care (fillings, tooth extractions).

Add up all of your prospective costs, including deductibles, out-of-pocket limits, and coinsurance or co-payments (the percentage or part of a service you pay), and be sure your dental insurer has a big network of dentists, including pediatric dentists and specialists. Check to see if your favourite dentist is in-network to get the most out of your in-network savings.

How to get coverage

  • Employer coverage: If you or your spouse are covered by your employer’s dental plan, you may be able to enrol in a family plan during open enrollment. Furthermore, because having a baby qualifies as a qualifying life event, you can add your newborn to your coverage within the timeframe specified by your plan.
  • Individual and family coverage: You can purchase a plan to match your family’s needs from providers like Delta Dental.
  • Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): These state-funded plans are available to low-income families.

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