U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) is applauding the new U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) consumer protections for standalone dental plans that will be offered in health insurance exchanges as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) starting January 1, 2014.
The ACA requires states to include pediatric oral health care as part of the essential benefits package, and permits that coverage to be made available through either comprehensive health plans or stand-alone dental plans.
The HHS this week issued its "Rule on the Establishment of Exchanges and Qualified Health Plans." The new rule requires plans in exchanges to provide:
- Protections against high out-of-pocket costs;
- Families with the option of selecting a child-only dental plan;
- Solvency standards equivalent to those in medical plans;
- Adequate provider networks; and
- Vigorous certification standards.
"Tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic condition affecting our nation's children, and that's why guaranteeing oral healthcare coverage in the Affordable Care Act is essential," said Senator Cardin in a press release. "The final rule ensures that patients in standalone dental plans will benefit from the same consumer protections that apply to other health plans in the exchange, whenever applicable."
