How to Get Dental Insurance Without a Job

Unemployment is, according to top researchers, a drag. For many without jobs, one of the most trying things about their situation is maintaining adequate health insurance, including dental coverage.

Dental coverage isn’t usually included in a standard healthcare plan and must be purchased separately. Luckily, it’s still obtainable for those without regular employment.

Can You Get Dental Insurance Without a Job?

Dental plans are typically sold independently from regular medical policies, so those without a job can secure them. Several available plans and programs can address your situation, even with restricted revenue.

You’ll need to pay close attention to your policy’s details if you don’t have reliable income. Nonetheless, you may find options you can afford to keep up with. 

Ways to Get Dental Coverage if You’re Unemployed

Here’s how to get dental insurance without a job through public and private sources.

COBRA Coverage

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) was passed in 1985. It gives the freshly unemployed a temporary extension on their last job’s health plan.

Your employer must notify the healthcare provider of your status within 30 days of termination. If you have no former employer to do this, you’ll have to call the health plan administrator yourself.

Pros

• Keep the dental coverage you had when employed without interruption.
• Coverage commences immediately after you’ve elected to take it.

Cons

• Patients must pay both their share and what their employer used to contribute.
• Most COBRA plans terminate after 18 months.

All things considered, COBRA can be a helpful option, especially if you anticipate having medical needs in the near future.

Affordable Care Act (ACA) / Obamacare Coverage

Signed into law in 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was intended to make it easier for Americans to get health insurance. The ACA uses qualifying events as triggers for coverage.

Congress also set up the Health Insurance Marketplace, where taxpayers can shop for and compare various coverage options. That said, finding a dental plan on the Marketplace may be tough because dental plans are classified separately from regular healthcare.

Pros

• A centralized marketplace makes it easy to compare and purchase options.
• Eligible patients can get financial assistance and subsidies. 

Cons

• An ACA dental plan may not offer all the services you may need (especially specialized care).
• Certain areas may offer fewer options or more limits.

Take some time to review the ACA’s policy guidelines to determine whether this is the right approach for you.

Dental Savings Plans

Dental savings plans pool contributions from policyholders. Plan managers negotiate with providers to set costs for the entire pool.

Although you get dental savings plans through an insurance company, they’re not the same as dental insurance. It’s more like a Costco Wholesale membership — you pay an annual fee, then shop around for products available at a discount. 

Those who have reached their limits on their regular insurance plans may benefit most from dental savings plans, along with those who don’t expect to visit their dentist often.

Pros

• You can reserve money after taxes for dental expenses to save money.
• Greater control and flexibility — you decide how to use funds in your plan.
• Dental savings plans aren’t usually restricted to a network.

Cons

• You can only spend funds on dental-related services and procedures.
• No employer contributions, meaning you’ll be in charge of all the contributions to your account.
• Because most premiums are charged annually, you’ll have to make a large investment every year.

For many consumers, dental savings plans may have more potential downsides than other options. Even so, they may be worth a look if you have the resources to make them work.

Affordable Financing Options

Regardless of the type of plan you end up going with, dental insurance can be expensive. Fortunately, there are ways to secure the coverage you need without being forced to pay out of pocket.

Here are some alternative financing strategies for dental coverage:

• In-house financing: Your dentist may let you finance your procedure and establish payment plans through their office.
• Help from community health clinics and nonprofits: Charities partner with local clinics and nonprofit organizations to set rights for income-challenged patients.
• Low-cost care through dental schools or events: You may be able to get substantially lower prices on certain procedures with dental students or local health events — they may take longer, but they’ll be cheaper.
• State assistance programs: A few states have assistance programs and coverage for low-income patients with dental needs. Check with your state for more information.

Pros

• Instant access to care
• Multiple attainable options for dental care
• Increased flexibility through payment plans

Cons

• Limited coverage for specialized procedures
• Limited service availability in certain remote areas
• Potential for inconsistent quality of care

If you’re considering going this route, it will be worth your time to examine all affordable options to see which ones may work best for your needs.

How to Apply

Ready to get the ball rolling on dental insurance? Here are the steps to take.

Gather Necessary Documents and Information

First, you’ll need to collect a few documents that provide important information, such as:

• Your personal info
• Your employment and income status
• Proof of residency
• Financial information such as bank statements and tax returns
• A list of dependents, if applicable
• Your dental history, including previous coverage

When gathering the required documents, double-check your prospective plan’s eligibility requirements, enrollment periods and other details.

Contact Providers or Use Online Resources

Learn more about your various options for dental care by contacting the providers directly or browsing the internet. Here are some possible courses of action:

• Use the Health Insurance Marketplace (HealthCare.gov) to compare plans and qualifications.
• Visit provider websites and government programs to review options.
• Look through all the COBRA options available to you through your former employer.
• Research the possibility of using government assistance programs.
• Attend local healthcare fairs or dentistry-related events.
• Get recommendations from friends, colleagues and online reviewers.

It’s a good idea to keep a record of all inquiries and follow-up correspondence so you’ll have it on hand in the future.

Complete the Application Process

Every organization has a different application process, but no matter what plan or provider you choose in the end, keep in mind that the process may take a while. It will likely require you to fill out various forms, detail your past employment, provide key financial info and agree to have your information released to interested parties.

Understand Premium Payment Options

Make sure you have a clear idea of how you’ll pay your premiums. Do they have to be paid upfront, or can you spread payments out over quarters or months? Determine how much flexibility you’ll need to afford the plan.

You may find it easier to manage your premium payments by setting up direct deposits through your bank or payment app.

Get the Best Dental Insurance From Benzinga’s Top Providers

Which providers offer the best deals on dental insurance? Here’s a table with some of the most popular options.

Dental Insurance Is Within Your Reach

Don’t let unemployment keep you from getting the care you need. Dental insurance may be hard to line up when you’re not working, but you have several options that can help you maintain your oral health while you’re searching for a new gig.

Frequently Asked Questions