How to Add Dental to Marketplace Plans (and When It’s Worth It)

By Marlon Mills, Licensed Health Insurance Agent · Reviewed by Heather Sprague, Licensed Health Insurance Agent

You can add dental to marketplace plans in two ways: pick a health plan with dental, or buy a separate plan. Adult dental isn't an essential health benefit, so most health plans don't cover it for grown-ups.

Open enrollment is the easiest time to add it. Below, you'll learn how each option works and when it pays off. Questions? Call 888-730-6031.

Can You Add Dental to Marketplace Plans?

Yes. HealthCare.gov offers dental in two forms: inside some health plans, or as a separate plan with its own premium.

The rules differ for kids and adults. Dental is an essential health benefit for children, so it must be available for them. For adults, it isn't required, according to HealthCare.gov's dental coverage page.

That's why many adults find no dental benefits in their health plan. For the bigger picture, see our pillar guide to choosing health, dental and vision coverage.

Built-In Dental vs. a Separate Dental Plan

Built-in dental means one plan and one premium. A separate plan means a second premium, but often more choice in benefits.

Source: HealthCare.gov dental coverage page. Benefits differ by plan and county.

Built-in dental is simple. However, its adult benefits can be thin.

A stand-alone dental plan lets you pick a dentist network and benefit level that fits. For background on routine care, read our guide to dental care coverage.

How to Add Dental to Marketplace Plans During Open Enrollment

The easiest window is open enrollment, from November 1 to January 15. That's because you can't buy a marketplace dental plan unless you're buying a health plan at the same time.

1. Pick your health plan first: check whether it already includes dental.
2. Compare separate dental plans: look at premiums, waiting periods and yearly maximums.
3. Check your dentist: use our in-network dentist guide to confirm the network.
4. Add children's dental: if your health plan doesn't cover kids' dental, consider adding it.
5. Enroll by December 15: that way, both plans can start January 1.

Outside open enrollment, you'll need a special enrollment period to change marketplace plans. Still, Vivna also quotes individual dental plans sold outside the marketplace. Our dental insurance plans page lists those options.

What Do Waiting Periods and Annual Maximums Mean?

A waiting period is the time before a plan pays for certain services. An annual maximum is the most a dental plan will pay in a year.

Separate dental plans can have waiting periods for adult services, HealthCare.gov notes. Preventive care often starts sooner. For example, UnitedHealthcare offers preventive care from day one, according to its dental insurance page.

An Example From Cigna's Individual Dental Plans

Cigna publishes clear limits for its individual dental plans, which make a useful example.

Source: Cigna individual dental plans. Plans and waiting periods vary by state.

Cigna may also waive basic and major waiting periods after 12 months of prior dental coverage that included major care. The gap between plans can't exceed 63 days. Still, Cigna won't waive orthodontia or implant waiting periods.

When Is Adding Dental Worth It?

Adding dental coverage often pays off if you expect regular cleanings plus some fillings or other work. It may not pay off if you only need one cleaning a year.

It Often Makes Sense If You:

• Have children: kids' dental is an essential benefit and easy to add.
• Need known work soon: a crown or root canal may fit a plan with no waiting period.
• Want budget control: many plans cover preventive visits at little or no cost.

It May Not Make Sense If You:

• Rarely visit a dentist: yearly premiums may exceed what the plan pays.
• Need only major work right away: waiting periods may delay coverage.

Before you add dental to marketplace plans, estimate what you'd spend on dental care without coverage. If you also wear glasses, compare vision insurance benefits at the same time.

Add Dental to Marketplace Plans FAQs

Can I buy a marketplace dental plan by itself?

No. HealthCare.gov says you can't buy a marketplace dental plan unless you're buying a health plan at the same time.

However, you can buy individual dental insurance outside the marketplace from carriers such as Cigna and UnitedHealthcare. Our dental insurance FAQ library explains those plans.

Do I have to buy dental coverage for my child?

No. Children's dental must be available, but you aren't required to buy it.

Many families still add it, since cleanings and sealants add up over time. Check whether your health plan already includes children's dental first. See our guide to health insurance for kids for more on children's benefits.

Which dental carriers can Vivna quote?

Depending on your state, Vivna agents can quote dental plans from carriers such as UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Aflac and Renaissance Dental. Plan designs and prices vary by carrier and ZIP code, so an agent can compare them side by side. That includes dental with ACA plan options and off-marketplace plans.

Next Steps to Add Dental to Marketplace Plans

The simplest way to add dental to marketplace plans is to decide during open enrollment. First, check whether your health plan includes dental. Next, compare separate plans by waiting periods and annual maximums.

Ready to compare? Call a licensed Vivna agent at 888-730-6031, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern. You can also visit our dental and vision insurance page.

Sources

1. HealthCare.gov: Dental coverage in the Marketplace
2. Cigna: Individual dental insurance plans
3. UnitedHealthcare: Dental insurance
4. HealthCare.gov: Renew, change, update, or cancel your plan

Related Guides

• United Healthcare dental insurance plans
• Choosing health, dental and vision insurance
• What dental insurance covers
• Your open enrollment checklist
• What health insurance covers

Vivna Insurance is a licensed independent agency, not a government website. Our help is free; we are paid by the insurance companies we work with. Dental plan availability, benefits and prices vary by state and carrier.