Covered California Seeks to Improve Access to Pediatric Dental Care
Starting in 2015, dental coverage will be included in all children’s health plans
Among the many hiccups associated with the roll out of the Affordable Care Act has been a failure to ensure that all children receive dental insurance. While dental care for kids is one of the 10 essential health benefits that must be offered under the law, the board of Covered California, our state’s healthcare exchange, recently discovered that only 27 percent of enrolled kids were getting dental coverage.
Why Families Aren’t Buying Pediatric Dental Plans
Currently, most dental plans are sold as stand-alone products, as a result of Congress’ desire to satisfy lobbyists and make the new healthcare landscape look a lot like the old one. Families can purchase health insurance without also purchasing a dental plan and still fulfil their legal obligations under the Affordable Care Act. There is no penalty for failing to purchase adequate kids’ dental coverage, and in fact there is a strong disincentive to do so. While families can receive subsidies to help them pay for health care, there is no subsidy for a stand-alone dental plan. When faced with the choice between paying for dental coverage and putting food on the table, many families make the logical decision to forgo coverage.
Why Pediatric Dental Care Matters
The fact that dental care for kids was identified as an essential health benefit in the first place tells us how important this service is. Kids need regular dental cleanings to help prevent cavities as well as restorative treatments to relieve pain associated with cavities and halt tooth decay in those areas. Numerous studies have proven the link between poor oral health and subpar school performance. When kids are in pain due to dental problems, they simply can’t concentrate well in school. They may also be absent more often or suffer from sleep problems that make them unable to pay attention in class. Considering that experts believe that 1 in 10 low-income kids are suffering from painful untreated dental problems, it is apparent that more needs to be done to ensure kids receive needed dental care.
Covered California’s Solution
At a board meeting in January, Covered California decided to address the problem of kids not receiving vital dental coverage by requiring all kids’ health plans to include dental benefits. This new rule will go into effect in 2015. Meanwhile, we at California Dental Group urge you to make sure your kids visit the dentist this year, even if you don’t currently have coverage. We offer a variety of financing options for families that do not have insurance.
