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If you're an individual looking for dental insurance in Boston, you're in luck - the city offers a range of options to fit your needs and budget.
Massachusetts has a unique dental insurance landscape, with many plans available through the Health Connector, the state's health insurance marketplace. These plans often include essential health benefits, including dental care.
You can expect to pay around $50-100 per month for a basic dental insurance plan in Boston, depending on your age and the level of coverage you choose. Some plans may also have a deductible or copayment for certain services.
The Massachusetts Health Connector also offers a range of dental insurance plans from top providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield and Delta Dental.
Boston Dental Insurance Individual
In Massachusetts, you can purchase individual and family dental plans through the Massachusetts Health Connector, a state-based health insurance exchange.
These plans are certified by the state and are available for purchase at any time of the year, not just during open enrollment or special enrollment periods triggered by a qualifying life event.
Two insurers offer stand-alone individual/family dental coverage through the Massachusetts Health Connector: Altus Dental and Delta Dental.
These dental plans are not automatically included with medical plans and must be purchased separately. They are compliant with the ACA's rules for pediatric dental coverage.
If you're looking for a dental plan, you can choose from these two options or explore non-standardized plans that offer different features and out-of-pocket costs.
Here are the two insurers that offer stand-alone individual/family dental coverage through the Massachusetts Health Connector:
- Altus Dental
- Delta Dental
Plan Options
If you're looking for dental insurance options in Boston, you have a few choices. You can purchase certified individual and family dental plans from two insurers through the Massachusetts Health Connector.
Stand-alone dental plans are available for both children and adults through the Connector all year. This means you can get dental coverage that's separate from your health insurance plan.
Here are some options to consider:
- Aetna Dental Direct Preferred PPO: This plan offers the highest level of coverage, with $0 deductible for preventive care and 20% copay for basic procedures.
- Aetna Dental Direct Core PPO: This plan offers a lower premium than the Preferred PPO but may require you to pay more for services, with a $0 deductible for preventive care and 50% copay for basic procedures.
- Aetna Dental Direct Preventive PPO: This plan is budget-conscious and offers coverage for routine care, with a $0 deductible and no annual benefit maximum.
Certified Individual and Family Health Plans
If you're looking for certified individual and family health plans in Massachusetts, you've come to the right place. The Massachusetts Health Connector offers certified individual and family dental plans from two insurers, providing you with options for affordable dental coverage.
These plans include pediatric dental coverage with their health plans, and a few offer limited adult coverage. You can purchase stand-alone dental plans for both children and adults through the Connector all year.
The Massachusetts Health Connector uses a state-based health insurance exchange, making it easy to find and purchase certified individual and family health plans. With the Connector, you can explore and learn about available Massachusetts dental coverage plans and enroll online.
Here's a brief comparison of the plans:
Aetna Vital Savings Card
The Aetna Vital Savings card is an attractive alternative to traditional dental insurance. You can get instant savings off the cost of most dental services.
Voters Pass Medical Loss Ratio Rule
Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly supported Question 2, which began to impose loss ratio rules on dental plans in the state as of 2024.
Dental plans in Massachusetts must now spend at least 83% of premiums on members’ dental care and quality improvements.
The ACA imposed medical loss ratio rules for health insurance, but did not address dental coverage.
Massachusetts has medical loss ratio rules that are more strict than those imposed by the ACA.
Dentists and dental associations, including the American Dental Association, supported the passage of Question 2.
They noted that it would help to bring dental insurance regulations in line with medical insurance regulations.
Major dental insurers in the state opposed the measure, arguing that it would result in higher premiums and less access to dental insurance.
However, most of the state’s large dental carriers already spent close to 83% of premiums on dental care and quality improvements.
Experts projected that premiums were not likely to rise by excessive amounts.
The Massachusetts insurance commissioner is now authorized to reject dental carriers’ proposed rates if they’re deemed excessive.
This is similar to the rate review process for medical insurance rates in many states.
FAQs About Coverage
If you're looking for dental insurance in Boston, you can find plans by searching online for dental discount plans and the state you're looking to buy a plan in.
Typically, Massachusetts dental insurance plans cover preventative exams, routine teeth cleaning, fillings, and x-rays.
Some plans also cover periodontics, endodontics, dentures, bridges, root canals, and other surgical procedures.
To anticipate potential out-of-pocket costs, be sure to compare the level of coverage among different plans.
Cost and Coverage
The cost of dental insurance in Massachusetts can vary depending on the plan you choose and your individual circumstances. For adults purchasing stand-alone dental coverage through the exchange, premiums in 2025 range from about $12 to $57 per month.
If you're purchasing coverage through the health insurance exchange, you may be eligible for premium tax credits, which can help offset the cost of pediatric dental coverage. However, this depends on the specific plan you choose and your family's income level.
Massachusetts dental insurance plans typically cover preventative exams, routine teeth cleaning, fillings, and x-rays, as well as some surgical procedures like periodontics and endodontics. Some plans may also cover dentures, bridges, and root canals.
Here are some estimated costs for dental insurance in Massachusetts:
Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and your actual costs may vary depending on your individual circumstances and the plan you choose.
Benefits Included
In Massachusetts, you can get dental coverage through Medicaid and CHIP, which is essential for maintaining good oral health. Adults enrolled in Medicaid are eligible for dental services.
Children enrolled in MassHealth have access to various dental programs that ensure continuous coverage until they're 21 years old. This is a great relief for parents who want to ensure their kids' teeth are healthy and strong.
The cost of dental insurance in Massachusetts varies, but some plans start as low as $20. It's essential to compare the level of coverage so you can anticipate potential out-of-pocket costs.
Here are some benefits that are included in most dental plans in Massachusetts:
- Affordable plans with 100% coverage for dental checkups, cleanings, and X-rays.
- Choice of providers with access to a nationwide network of over 445,000 dental providers.
- Virtual dental care through Dental.com, which allows you to spot cavities and other issues from the comfort of your home.
- Coverage for fillings, crowns, root canals, and other procedures.
- Plan extras, such as access to CVS ExtraCare Plus membership, which includes a $10 monthly reward, free delivery, and more.
Cost
Dental insurance costs in Massachusetts can vary significantly, ranging from about $12 to $57 per month for adults purchasing stand-alone coverage through the exchange.
The average dental insurance premium in Massachusetts is $38.42 per month, based on average pricing for plans from eHealth.
If you're purchasing coverage through the health insurance exchange, your premiums may or may not be offset by premium tax credits, depending on the health plan and its integrated pediatric dental benefits.
Actual prices for dental insurance in Massachusetts depend on factors like zip code, age, gender, coverage level, and more, so it's essential to get a personalized quote to see what's available for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does dental insurance cost per month in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, the average monthly cost of dental insurance is $38.42. Check our website for more information on dental insurance options and costs.
Which is the best dental insurance to have?
Delta Dental is considered the best overall dental insurance option, offering comprehensive coverage at an affordable price with a low annual maximum benefit of $2,000 and a deductible of just $50.
What is an individual maximum in dental insurance?
An annual maximum in dental insurance is the maximum amount your plan will pay for dental services within a calendar year. Understanding this limit helps you maximize your benefits and plan your dental care accordingly.
What is a good maximum for dental insurance?
A good maximum for dental insurance is typically between $1,000 and $2,000, covering most routine care and some major procedures. However, individual needs may vary, and it's essential to review your specific plan and coverage to determine the best fit for you.
How much is health insurance a month for a single person in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, the average monthly cost of health insurance for a single person is $661, but eligible individuals may pay as little as $118 per month with income-based discounts.
Sources
- https://www.aetna.com/individuals-families/buy-dental-coverage.html
- https://www.healthinsurance.org/dental/massachusetts-dental-insurance-guide/
- https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/massachusetts-dental-insurance
- https://www.universityhealthplans.com/UMB
- https://www.dentalinsuranceshop.com/dental-insurance/dental-insurance-by-state/massachusetts-dental-plans
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