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Notice: During the government shutdown, if you have a 2025 health insurance plan, continue using your plan and providers. If you don’t have a plan, you can use this site to apply for and access coverage.

Health benefits & coverage

Dental coverage in the Marketplace

In the Marketplace, you can pick a health plan with or without dental benefits. If you pick a health plan without dental benefits, you can still get a separate dental plan.
Notice:
IMPORTANT: You can't buy a Marketplace dental plan unless you're buying a health plan at the same time.

Dental coverage is available 2 ways:

  • Health plans with dental coverage: Some Marketplace health plans have dental coverage. You can see which plans include dental coverage when you compare them. If a health plan includes dental, the premium covers both health and dental benefits.
  • Separate dental plans: In some cases, separate dental plans are offered. You can see them when you shop for plans in the Marketplace. 
    If you pick a separate dental plan, you’ll pay a separate premium. This is in addition to the premium you pay for your Marketplace health plan.
    Separate dental plans can have waiting periods before they start to cover services for adults.

How to preview dental plans

Answer a few income and household questions to preview health plans with dental, and separate dental plans.
When you compare dental plans in the Marketplace, you’ll find details about each plan’s costs, copayments, deductibles, and services covered.
See health and dental plans & prices

Adult & child dental insurance in the Marketplace

Dental insurance is treated differently for adults and children 18 and under.
  • Dental coverage is an essential health benefit for children. This means if you’re getting health coverage for someone 18 or younger, dental coverage must be available for your child either as part of a health plan or as a separate dental plan. 
    Note: While dental coverage for children must be available to you, you don’t have to buy it.
  • Dental coverage isn't an essential health benefit for adults. Health plans don’t have to offer adult dental coverage.

More answers: Dental coverage & the Marketplace

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