The California health insurance exchange known as Covered California recently lifted the requirement of health plans to include pediatric dental benefits. This essentially means that dental benefits won’t be required to be a part of qualified health plans (QHPs). Carriers offering plans through the exchange, however, will still be required to offer standalone dental plans to insurance holders in compliance with federal law.
Covered California recently announced the standalone pediatric dental plans, which will range in price from $10 to $44 a month and will offer consumers a choice between health maintenance organization (HMO) plans, preferred provider organization (PPO) plans and exclusive provider organization plans.
The six carriers who will provide coverage through the plan include:
- Anthem Dental
- Blue Shield of California
- Health Net Dental
- Delta Dental of California
- Liberty Dental plan
- Premier Access Dental
A total of 10 different plans will be offered, one of which will only be available in a bundled option, according to Covered California. Unlike the health plans through Covered California, the dental plans will not be designated by metal levels (bronze, silver, gold, platinum). Rather, they will come in two value options: 85 percent and 70 percent plans. The former will feature higher premiums with lower average out-of-pocket costs, while the latter will feature lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs.
Since most Americans will be required to carry health insurance beginning in 2014, Covered California plans to begin enrolling individuals in October. Benefit Packages will be an Exchange Certified Agency and can help you determine whether a plan through Covered California is right for you. With decades of industry expertise, we work with respected carriers like Anthem Blue Cross of California and will help you navigate your options. Visit our website for more information, or call us at 1-800-356-3615.