Key Issue: Independent Purchase of Dental Benefits on Healthcare.gov
National Association of Dental Plans
(NADP) members urged Congressional leaders to push for a technical
update of Healthcare.gov to enable the independent purchase of dental
plans, leading to expanded coverage opportunities to more consumers
during its 2021 virtual Congressional industry fly-in, “NADP Advocacy in
Action,” April 27-29.
“The
mission of NADP is to improve consumer access to affordable, quality
dental care,” stated Board Chairman Jeremy Hedrick of Careington
International. “We commend our members for advancing our mission and
representing our industry by participating in the democratic process.”
Independent Purchase
In virtual meetings with Members of
Congress, NADP members sought Congressional support in directing the
Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIIO) to
implement a technical fix on Healthcare.gov to allow consumers to
purchase dental benefits without having to first purchase medical
coverage. Currently, there are no statutory limitations preventing CCIIO
from implementing independent purchase.
The original technical design of the
Marketplaces linked medical and dental enrollment functions on
HealthCare.gov, preventing the independent purchase of dental coverage.
The technical design limitations prevent those who have medical coverage
through other means including their employer, Medicare, or a pension
plan from purchasing dental on the Marketplaces.
Marketplaces allow consumers to
comparison shop for certified standalone dental plans (SADPs), which
provide vital coverage for oral health services. Individuals and
families are more likely to visit the dentist and seek critical
preventive services, such as cleanings, when they have dental coverage.
Preventive dental care reduces the likelihood of emergency room visits
for treatment of abscesses and cavities, reducing the burden on
hospitals challenged by COVID-19 or other community needs. And,
preventive dental care reduces the need for more expensive dental
procedures and costly medical complications, holding down health care
costs.
Several States-Based Marketplaces
currently allow for the independent purchase of stand-alone dental
plans. State health officials have cited the ability to purchase
dental-only coverage on the marketplaces as an important means for the
expansion of dental coverage in their state.
Additional Issues
NADP members also highlighted
additional topics impacting consumers’ access to dental benefits and
care such as dental benefit options for Medicare beneficiaries and
maintaining consumer protections offered in dental plans.
About NADP
National Association of Dental Plans
(NADP), a Texas nonprofit corporation with headquarters in Dallas, is
the representative and recognized resource of the dental benefits
industry. NADP is the only national trade organization that includes the
full spectrum of dental benefits companies operating in the United
States. NADP’s members provide Dental HMO, Dental PPO, Dental Indemnity
and Discount Dental products to more than 200 million Americans.