Don't Overlook Oral Health During Open Enrollment

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 16, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As open enrollment begins next month, Americans will face important decisions about their 2015 benefits. When you're enrolling for health coverage, don't overlook your oral health. When evaluating health plans that include dental coverage, make sure you understand the benefits.

In the Health Insurance Marketplace, you can get dental coverage two ways: as part of a health plan, or by itself through a separate, stand-alone dental plan. Under the health care law, dental insurance is treated differently for adults and children 18 and under. Dental coverage for children is an "essential health benefit," or EHB. This means if you're getting coverage for someone 18 or younger, dental coverage must be available as part of a health plan or as a stand-alone plan. While it must be available to you, you do not have to buy it. This is not the case for adults. Insurers don't have to offer adult dental coverage.

"It is important to make sure you have dental benefits, as they factor heavily into maintenance of good oral health and overall well-being," said Phil Wenk, D.D.S., CEO at Delta Dental of Tennessee. "Having dental benefits encourages regular check-ups. Many people who purchase protection start to benefit immediately. We know that oral health is essential to overall health. Good oral health improves a person's ability to speak, smile, smell, taste, touch, chew, swallow, and make facial expressions to show feelings and emotions."

Visiting a dentist is a worthwhile investment in your family's oral and overall health. Studies suggest that people with dental benefits are almost 50percent more likely to visit the dentist every six months to get the care they need. When you choose Delta Dental benefits, you can prevent a dental problem or get treatment before it becomes more serious, and save money on your dental care costs.

Studies suggest that the state of your dental health can affect other health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. And many health conditions have oral symptoms that provide clues to their onset. Although seeing a dentist is no substitute for a visit to a physician, regular dental checkups may tell the dentist much about your overall health.

For more information on Oral Health Benefits and the ACA Marketplace, visit: http://www.deltadentaltn.com/Wellness/ACA-Marketplace.aspx. For coverage starting in 2015, the Open Enrollment Period is November 15, 2014 to February 15, 2015.

Delta Dental of Tennessee combines the largest national network of dentists with a focus on the unique dental insurance needs of every individual we serve. Good oral health is essential to a healthy life and Delta Dental of Tennessee makes taking care of your smile easy with access to care, comprehensive benefits, exceptional service, and superior value. Delta Dental of Tennessee is an affiliate of Renaissance Health Service Corporation, which includes Delta Dental plans in Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Ohio. For dental made simple, choose Delta Dental. Visit us at http://www.DeltaDentalTN.com.