When talking about dental insurance, you probably think of those expensive premiums you got to pay when you started a new job. That’s because those are the only type of dental insurance plans that many people know. But things have changed quite a bit since then – there are now affordable and accessible dental insurance options designed to meet specific needs of different individuals. If you’re on a low income and also need affordable dental care, here are the 5 best low income dental insurance plans for you.
What is Low Income Dental Insurance?
Low-income dental insurance is a type of health insurance that provides coverage for dental care for people who have a low income. Usually, you have to meet a certain income threshold to qualify for this type of coverage, and once you do, the coverage will help you afford the dental care you need. If you have low income dental insurance, you’ll be able to get the dental care you need without having to pay a ton of money out of pocket.
Low income dental insurance is different than dental insurance offered to employees through work, which usually requires you to pay a monthly premium. With low-income dental insurance, you don’t have to do anything. Once you prove that you have a low income, you’ll automatically be enrolled in a low income dental insurance plan.
How Does Low Income Dental Insurance Work?
Depending on the type of low income dental insurance you have, you may get a certain number of free cleanings and checkups per year. You may also be able to get free tooth extractions and root canals, as well as free crowns and dentures. Your low income dental insurance plan will also cover a portion of the cost of dental implants, fillings, and other procedures.
Additionally, low income dental insurance covers a percentage of the cost of orthodontic treatment. You may be able to get low income dental insurance for your children as well; however, it may be more expensive since children’s dental care often includes more procedures.
You will generally have to pay a small monthly or yearly premium for low income dental insurance. That low income dental insurance will likely cover some part of the cost of dentures, including the removal and replacement of old ones. However, if you get dentures through low income dental insurance, they may not look as natural as they could.
Who Can Get Low Income Dental Insurance?
It can be hard to find out whether you qualify for low income dental insurance. While most people who qualify for certain government benefits qualify for low income dental insurance, you may not know if you qualify without applying.
You may be able to get low income dental insurance through one of the following groups: Your state’s Medicaid program: Typically, you’ll have to be at or below the poverty line to qualify for Medicaid. Your state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program:
You’ll need to be a parent or caretaker of a child under 19 years old. Your state’s Health Insurance Marketplace: You’ll need to be making less than 250 percent of the federal poverty level.
Which plan is best for you?
To find the best low income dental insurance plan for you, start by thinking about what you want out of your dental insurance coverage. For example, if you know that you need a root canal, are you willing to pay for it out of pocket? Are you willing to pay the full cost of a dental implant?
If so, then you may be able to get low income dental insurance that covers preventive care like cleanings and x-rays. If you need orthodontic coverage, you may want to look at a low income dental insurance plan that provides orthodontic treatment. And if you need major dental work done, you’ll likely want to get a low income dental plan that covers major dental procedures like root canals and dental implants.
Affordable Dental Plans Through Healthcare.gov
You can find low income dental insurance through HealthCare.gov. There are three plans offered through HealthCare.gov that offer low income dental:
Essential Health Benefits: This plan offers low income dental coverage to those who qualify for Medicaid. If you make less than the federal poverty line, you may be able to get this plan through HealthCare.gov. Advance Premium Tax Credit:
This plan provides low income dental coverage to people who make between 100 and 250 percent of the federal poverty line. Advance Financial Assistance: This plan provides low income dental coverage to people who make between 100 and 250 percent of the federal poverty line.
Affordable Dental Plans Through Your Employer
If you get health insurance through your employer, you may be able to get low income dental insurance through your dental plan. Employer-sponsored dental plans are a great way to get low income dental insurance since the premium will be subtracted from your paycheck.
Furthermore, the dental plan may be completely free. If you get dental through your employer, make sure you’re aware of the terms of the policy, including any exclusions and maximum benefit amounts.
Bottom line
Low income dental insurance is a great way to get dental care when you otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it. If you qualify for low income dental insurance, you’ll be able to get the dental care you need without having to pay the full cost out of pocket.
For the best chance of qualifying for low income dental insurance, you’ll want to apply through HealthCare.gov. You can do so by clicking on the “Dental Plans” button on the homepage. There, you can enter your information and see which insurance plans you qualify for.