In spite of extraordinary dental care advancements in the past few decades, tooth decay continues to be a very serious problem for American children. Lack of dental care or infrequent visits to the dentist, are major causes of tooth decay. If you have been unable to bring your kids to your Durham family dentist as often as you should due to lack of dental coverage, you may be relieved to hear that starting on January 1st, 2014, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is expanding to require more comprehensive dental benefits for individuals under the age of 18.
Affordable Care Act Details
Pediatric oral health services will become a required Essential Health Benefit for all individual and small group health insurance market plans, whether obtained inside or outside of the ACA’s health insurance marketplace. This will include preventative dental services such as exams, cleanings and x-rays. It is estimated that by 2018, approximately 8.7 million children will have gained dental benefits as a direct result of this change in law. About 2/3 will qualify to receive Medicaid dental coverage, while the remaining 1/3 will obtain a private dental plan. Together, this will reduce the number of those kids without dental benefits by about 55%.
About Your Durham Family Dentistry
Dr. Thomas Clifton, your Durham dentist, is a passionate advocate of children’s dental care. Strong, healthy teeth are critical to your child’s overall health and wellbeing. Teaching your child proper daily dental hygiene, combined with frequent and regular visits to the dentist, is one of the best ways to help them avoid serious dental problems as they get older. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call us today.