Dental Insurance: COBRA vs. ACA

Dental insurance can be a valuable part of maintaining good oral health. It can help offset the cost of preventive care, such as cleanings and checkups, as well as major dental work, such as fillings and crowns.

If you are currently receiving dental insurance through COBRA, you may wonder what your options are once your COBRA coverage expires. One option is to enroll in an ACA-compliant dental insurance plan.

COBRA Coverage

COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) is a federal law that allows employees to continue their health insurance coverage if they lose their job or experience a reduction in hours. COBRA coverage is typically more expensive than ACA-compliant plans, but it may allow you to keep your current dentist.

ACA Coverage

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a federal law that requires most Americans to have health insurance. ACA-compliant dental insurance plans are available through the Health Insurance Marketplace or directly from insurance companies. ACA-compliant plans typically have lower premiums than COBRA plans, but they may have higher deductibles and may not cover all of the same services.

Can I Have Both COBRA and ACA Dental Insurance?

In most cases, you cannot have both COBRA and ACA dental insurance at the same time. However, there are a few exceptions.

If you are receiving COBRA coverage through your employer, you may be able to continue your coverage even if you enroll in an ACA-compliant plan.
If you are receiving COBRA coverage through your spouse’s employer, you may be able to enroll in an ACA-compliant plan if your spouse’s employer does not offer dental insurance.

If you are not sure whether you can have both COBRA and ACA dental insurance, you should contact your insurance company.

How Does Dual Insurance Work?

If you have both COBRA and ACA dental insurance, your COBRA coverage will typically be the primary insurance. This means that your COBRA insurance will pay for the majority of your dental expenses. Your ACA insurance will only pay for the remaining balance.

For example, if you have a dental procedure that costs $1,000, your COBRA insurance may pay $800 and your ACA insurance may pay the remaining $200.

It is important to note that you may have to pay a higher deductible for your ACA insurance if you have dual coverage. This is because your ACA insurance will only pay for the remaining balance after your COBRA insurance has paid.

Which Option Is Right for Me?

The best way to decide which dental insurance option is right for you is to compare the costs and benefits of each plan. You should also consider your individual needs and circumstances.

If you are looking for a plan that offers low premiums and a wide range of coverage, an ACA-compliant plan may be a good option. If you are looking for a plan that allows you to keep your current dentist, COBRA coverage may be a better choice.

If you are not sure which option is right for you, you should contact a licensed insurance agent. They can help you compare plans and find the best option for your needs.