Alaska Dental Insurance Guide: Plans, Costs, and Coverage

Alaska has a unique dental insurance landscape, with several options available to residents.

There are three main types of dental insurance plans in Alaska: HMO, PPO, and indemnity plans.

HMO plans are generally the most affordable option, with monthly premiums starting at around $20.

PPO plans offer more flexibility, but come with higher premiums, often ranging from $50 to $100 per month.

Indemity plans provide the most comprehensive coverage, but can be quite expensive, with premiums often exceeding $200 per month.

The cost of dental insurance in Alaska can vary, with premiums ranging from $21 to $54 per month for adults purchasing stand-alone coverage through the exchange.

You'll also need to consider the factors that affect your premium, such as your location and the number of people covered on your policy.

Alaska's Medicaid and CHIP programs offer some coverage for dental services, but the extent of coverage varies depending on your age and income level.

Adults enrolled in Medicaid can receive emergency dental services for acute pain or infection, and some may be eligible for an enhanced dental benefit with more comprehensive coverage.

Children and pregnant women with income above Medicaid limits are eligible for coverage through Denali KidCare, which provides comprehensive dental benefits.

The average cost of dental insurance in Alaska is around $33 per month, or about $398 per year.

Your specific costs will depend on your choice of dental benefits, tobacco usage, and other factors.

The cost of dental insurance in Alaska can vary significantly depending on your circumstances. For adults who purchase their own stand-alone dental coverage through the exchange, premiums in 2025 range from about $21 to $54 per month.

Your location within Alaska may impact the cost of dental insurance. Plans from insurers may not be offered in all areas.

The average cost of dental insurance in Alaska is around $33 per month, or about $398 per year.

In Alaska, Medicaid and CHIP provide some level of dental coverage, but it's essential to understand what's included.

Adults enrolled in Medicaid can receive emergency dental services for acute pain or infection, but that's about it.

Children up to age 21, on the other hand, are eligible for comprehensive dental benefits through Denali KidCare, which is Alaska's CHIP.

Alaska's dental insurance plans cover preventative exams, routine teeth cleaning, fillings, and X-rays, which are essential for maintaining good oral health.

Dental insurance policies may also include periodontics, endodontics, dentures, bridges, root canals, and other surgical treatments, but it's crucial to compare coverage to know what to expect in terms of out-of-pocket costs.

In Alaska, you can choose from a variety of dental insurance providers, including Delta Dental, Cigna Dental, Humana Dental, Denali Dental, Magnum Dental, Spirit Dental & Vision, and UnitedHealthcare.

The most popular types of dental insurance coverage are DHMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization) and PPO dental plans (Preferred Provider Organization). A DHMO plan is a more cost-effective option, but you must use dentists in the plan's provider network.

A Dental PPO plan is the most expensive choice, but it offers more flexibility and the opportunity to pick a dentist you prefer. You won't need to see your regular dentist for a referral if you require specialist care.

Here are some of the dental insurance plans available in Alaska, including their premiums and coverage details:

It's essential to review the costs associated with each plan, including premiums, deductibles, and any out-of-pocket expenses, as well as any waiting periods for certain procedures.

The Alaska Marketplace offers a range of dental insurance options for individuals and families. You can purchase stand-alone dental plans through HealthCare.gov during open enrollment or a special enrollment period triggered by a qualifying life event.

In 2025, there are two insurers that offer stand-alone individual/family dental coverage: BEST Life and Delta Dental of Alaska. These plans cover both adult and pediatric dental services.

To purchase a stand-alone dental plan, visit HealthCare.gov and click on "See plans & prices." This will give you a list of available plans and their prices.

The stand-alone pediatric dental plans on the Alaska Exchange comply with the ACA's pediatric dental coverage rules. This means out-of-pocket costs for pediatric dental care will not exceed $400 per child in 2024 (or $800 for all the children on a family's plan), and there is no cap on medically necessary pediatric dental benefits.

Here are the two insurers that offer stand-alone individual/family dental coverage through the Alaska Marketplace:

Alaska Medicaid and CHIP provide dental coverage in different ways.

Adults enrolled in Medicaid in Alaska are eligible to receive emergency dental services only for acute pain or infection.

Alaska offers eligible adults an enhanced dental benefit with more comprehensive coverage with up to $1,150 in annual dental services.

Children enrolled in Medicaid in Alaska are eligible for comprehensive dental benefits in conjunction with Denali KidCare.

Denali KidCare provides coverage to children and pregnant women with income above the eligibility limits for Medicaid.

If you're looking for dental resources in Alaska, you're in luck. The Alaska Dental Association is a great place to start, offering support and guidance for both patients and dentists.

To find low-fee dental clinics in Alaska, check out the list provided earlier. These clinics can help make dental care more affordable for those in need.

Alaska Medicaid is another option to consider, as it provides dental coverage to eligible residents. You can also explore HealthCare.gov for additional options and resources.

If you're considering dental insurance in Alaska, you might be wondering how it works. Dental insurance in Alaska often has a coinsurance structure, with a 100/80/50 ratio being common.

Preventive care, such as cleanings and exams, is usually covered at 100% under this structure. This means you won't have to pay anything out of pocket for routine care.

Basic procedures like fillings are typically covered at 80%, which means you'll pay 20% of the cost. Major procedures like crowns and dentures are covered at 50%, so you'll pay 50% of the cost.

The average monthly cost of dental insurance in Alaska for one person is $33, or approximately $398 per year. However, this cost can vary depending on your individual circumstances, such as whether you're a smoker or where you live.

Delta Dental is a popular insurance provider in Alaska, with a solid reputation from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau. However, it's always a good idea to shop around and find the best plan for your needs.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, you might consider a dental discount plan. These plans are not insurance, but can offer discounted rates at participating dentists.

When you're looking for dental resources in Alaska, there's good news. The Alaska Dental Association is available to provide guidance and support.

You can also check out low-fee dental clinics in Alaska, which can be a more affordable option for those in need. These clinics offer essential dental care at a lower cost.

For those who qualify, Alaska Medicaid and HealthCare.gov are also great resources to explore.

Here are some specific resources to consider:

Getting free quotes is a great way to start your search for affordable dental insurance. You can compare numerous quotes from multiple companies online to find the best rates.

Clicking on a button or link can get you started, and some websites will even let you get covered in minutes.

If you're looking for alternatives to traditional dental insurance in Alaska, you have a few options. One popular choice is a dental discount plan, which can save you 10-60% on dental care costs at a network of over 100,000 dentists.

You don't necessarily need to use the Alaska health insurance marketplace to buy dental plans, but if you want to add dental coverage to a Marketplace health policy, you can only do so during open enrollment. This means you have some flexibility in choosing when to purchase dental coverage.

Dental discount plans are not insurance, but rather a membership program that offers discounted rates on dental care. They're a great option for individuals, families, or groups looking to save money on their dental needs.

If you're interested in learning more about dental discount plans in Alaska, there are resources available to help you get started. In fact, you can even learn more about them today!

A prepaid dental plan is another alternative to traditional dental insurance. If you're looking for a more affordable option, this might be worth exploring.