Buying dental insurance

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 (www.wahealthplanfinder.org). 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.

The Washington Healthplanfinder requires children enrolled in a health plan to also be enrolled in a dental 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?

Buy directly from an insurance company

The following companies are approved to sell individual dental plans in Washington state:

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.