Sponsors (11)
The bill expands access to standalone dental coverage for people without medical QHPs—improving dental access and health for many, including those with chronic conditions—while potentially raising dental premiums modestly and imposing extra administrative costs on Exchanges and health systems.
Uninsured individuals (including people who decline or lack medical QHPs) can enroll in standalone dental plans through the Exchange without buying medical coverage, increasing access to basic and preventive dental care — particularly for people with chronic conditions whose oral health affects overall health.
Uninsured individuals who enroll in Exchange-offered standalone dental plans may face higher premiums if risk pools change, raising out-of-pocket costs for dental coverage.
State and federal Exchanges, HHS, and related health system administrators could incur additional administrative responsibilities and costs to implement and oversee increased standalone dental enrollments.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Prohibits the Secretary from blocking enrollment in standalone dental plans through ACA Exchanges if the person isn't enrolled in a medical qualified health plan.
Allows people to buy standalone dental plans through ACA health insurance Exchanges even if they are not also enrolled in a medical qualified health plan. The change bars the Secretary of HHS from restricting enrollment in standalone dental plans on the basis of not having concurrent medical coverage through the Exchange.
Introduced March 27, 2025 by Margaret Wood Hassan · Last progress March 27, 2025