:DentalPlans Launches Resource Center on the Impact of the Affordable Care Act on Dental Coverage

PLANTATION, FL--(Marketwired - October 23, 2014) - :DentalPlans, the largest dental savings plan marketplace, has launched a resource center to help consumers and businesses navigate the Affordable Care Act's impact on dental coverage.

While the ACA now requires individuals to have health insurance, dental coverage is not required in that mandate -- even though oral health is essential to achieving overall health and well-being.

The ACA Resource Center, at www.dentalplans.com/affordable-care-act/, details how the ACA does and doesn't affect dental coverage for adults, families, children, seniors, self-employed people and small businesses.

"We found that during the last enrollment process people were coming to us with a lot of questions. They didn't know if they did or did not have dental coverage and what, if any, additional benefits they may have needed," said Bill Chase, vice president of marketing for :DentalPlans. "We were flooded with calls from people that were concerned. We want our customers to know that someone has the answers. That's why we've developed this resource."

The ACA Resource Center also provides information on the importance of dental care to a person's overall health, the latest news and information on the ACA, a :DentalPlans ACA Blog, FAQ section, links to outside resources, and information on dental savings plans, an affordable alternative to dental insurance. You can contact :DentalPlans by phone at 877-212-9039 with any questions.

"Many Americans cannot afford the cost of a stand-alone dental insurance policy on top of buying their health insurance plan," adds Chase. "Only 14 percent of the federal exchange enrollees opted to purchase stand-alone dental insurance through the exchange, according to The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This is unfortunate, since research continually shows that the health of your teeth and gums has an impact on your overall health."

A recent report from the nonprofit National Academy for State Health Policy, recommends that state and federal policymakers should take steps to make dental benefits less costly and more widely available under the ACA. It further states, that while oral health advocates were heartened to see pediatric dental benefits included among the health reform law's Essential Health Benefits (EHB) for children up to 19, the task of making them available on state marketplaces and getting consumers to buy them has proven complicated.

Dental benefits have traditionally been sold separately from other types of health insurance, and the ACA and subsequent federal guidance treat pediatric dental benefits differently from the other EHB categories, "creating unique challenges in implementing the vision of a guaranteed pediatric dental benefit," concludes the report.

Furthermore, the ACA does not include adult dental coverage among the essential health benefits spelled out by law. Adults and seniors need dental care too. The :DentalPlans ACA Resource Center will help everyone navigate the law and find affordable alternatives.

One such alternative is a dental savings plan. The benefits of a dental savings plan include savings up to 60 percent off what you would pay out-of-pocket. Benefits also include fast activation, no forms to file, no restrictions on preexisting conditions, no limit on how often you can use your plan, and open enrollment all year long.

Members pay a low annual fee for access to a network of participating dentists, who have agreed to charge less for their services for plan members. As a plan member you simply show your membership card when visiting any of the 140,000+ participating dentists to receive dental procedures at a reduced price. Services may include annual cleanings, x-rays, crowns, root canals, and even cosmetic and orthodontic procedures, which are not typically covered by insurance. And depending on the plan you choose, savings on vision care and prescriptions are available as well.

"When it comes to dental care, we believe getting the right dental plan should give you peace of mind, not hassles or worry," adds Chase. "With :DentalPlans you will rest easy knowing you are getting the best care for the lowest possible price. And more importantly, you will be keeping your and your family healthy and smiling."

About :DentalPlans
:DentalPlans, founded in 1999, is the largest dental savings plan marketplace in the USA, offering consumers access to 40+ dental savings plans from trusted healthcare brands, like Aetna, Careington, Signature Wellness, and UNI-CARE. Plan members have access to more than 100,000 dentists nationwide.

:DentalPlans, which has been included in the INC. 5000 list for three years standing, is committed to making you smile by making access to quality oral healthcare affordable and available to everyone. Visit us at www.dentalplans.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dentalplans.