Dental Insurance Plans

Is pediatric dental required under ACA

Pediatric Dental under the ACA

Tooth decay is one of the most widespread health concerns among today’s youth; the problem only worsens when kids get older. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 68 percent of teens ages 16 through 19 have decay in their permanent adult teeth. This epidemic could be caused by the sugary diet of children in this day and age or it could be result of inadequate pediatric dental coverage.
In a recent change, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires that health plans sold on the private market and on state-based health insurance cover pediatric dental services.  The law is directed at children who get coverage through private plans because dental services are already a benefit for children covered by Medicaid, the state-federal health program for those with low-income.  Many of these eligible children are not enrolled so this change will hopefully bring more children into the system.
Child dental advocates say they’re contented that pediatric dental services were incorporated among the “10 essential health benefits” that new health plans must provide under the law. Specific coverage requirements are determined by each state within guidelines set by the Department of Health and Human Services.  See image below for details on your state.

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