Most dental insurance is offered by employers to their employees and dependents. If your employer offers a plan, contact your human resource department for a copy of the plan booklet that details your benefits.
Adults under age 65 who don't have an employer option to get a dental plan can buy one through the Washington Healthplanfinder. However, you must buy the dental plan in conjunction with a Qualified Health Plan for medical coverage. You can’t buy it as a stand-alone plan.
For people on Medicare, you can buy a plan directly from an insurance company (see list below).
Before you buy a dental plan, ask:
- What are the plan's costs, benefits and exclusions?
- Which dentists participate in the plan?
- Do I think I’ll need major dental work?
- Will regular exams and cleanings be enough?
- When was my last dentist visit?
- Will I need x-rays or other services?
- How does the cost of paying for dental insurance compare to paying for dental services without insurance?
- How do I cancel the policy if I no longer want it?
Dental insurance for kids
Pediatric dental care is considered an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Individual and small group plans must cover pediatric dental care either as part of the health plan or through a separate, standalone pediatric dental plan.
If you purchase a health plan for a child through the Washington Healthplanfinder you will be required to enroll them in a pediatric dental plan. If you purchase a health plan outside of the Washington Healthplanfinder, you will be required to provide written proof that you also bought a pediatric stand-alone dental insurance plan.
Some of the services the pediatric dental benefit may cover
- Diagnostic services
- Preventive care
- Restorative care
- Oral surgery and reconstruction
- Periodontics
- Root canals
Buy directly from an insurance company
The following companies are approved to sell individual dental plans in Washington state:
Dental plan | Phone number |
|---|---|
Delta Dental of Washington | |
Renaissance Life and Health Insurance Company of America | |
UnitedHealthcare/Golden Rule | |
Willamette Dental | 855-433-6825, option #2 |
Note: This list may not be comprehensive. To find a plan in your area, contact an insurance agent.
Check out low- or no-cost dental programs
If you can't afford to buy an individual dental plan or have difficulty paying for services, see if you qualify for a low- or no-cost program.
If you're on Medicare
Medicare does not cover routine dental care, but there are some Medicare Advantage plans that provide basic dental care such as cleaning and screenings. You can also contact companies directly that offer individual dental plans to see if they cover Medicare clients.