Putting teeth in PPACA

Under PPACA regulations, the newly established health exchanges are required to ensure that participating dental plans have enough dentists in their network to offer sufficient access to all eligible children. However, while the intent of the  law is to ensure that all children have access to dental insurance, the US Department of Health and Human Services recently issued a ruling that, although consumers are required to purchase health insurance, they will not be required to purchase the essential dental benefit for their children through exchanges. Given the sobering facts about the importance of children receiving proper oral healthcare at an early age, it is imperative that our children receive the dental benefits they deserve.

Today, the majority of small businesses (less than 100 employees) who don’t purchase benefits through exchanges buy their dental policies separately. Ninety-eight percent of Americans obtain dental coverage through a separate, standalone dental policy, and child-only dental policies are not commonly offered; however, in 2014, employers may be forced to change the way they obtain coverage. Healthcare reform serves as an opportunity for businesses to reevaluate current insurance plans and explore new options for employees. As businesses make those decisions, they should remember that oral health is part of overall health and be sure to add dental insurance to their benefit package.

See also:

• Voluntary benefits growing in importance among employers
• The mind of the broker
• 7 health tax tips