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Losing your job and the dental benefits that come with it is a stressful event. Whether you were laid off or are leaving voluntarily, it is an uncertain time for you. Not only do you have to worry about your standard bills, but you also have to figure out a way to get your health and dental care covered. Don’t panic though as you can rest assured about your dental coverage with Delta Dental of Washington. For your convenience, here is an outline of dental plan options and what to do first, now that you’re enrolling independently of your employer.
What to do now:
- As soon as you’ve lost your job, check your current benefits. Find out when your benefits get cut off.
- Your health and dental coverage may continue through the end of the month. If that’s the case, make a dentist appointment as soon as you can, as every week of extra coverage matters.
Common Questions About Insurance After Losing Your Job
1. How long do benefits last after being laid off?
In most cases, employer-sponsored dental benefits end on your last day of employment or at the end of that month. The exact timing depends on your employer’s benefits policy, so it’s important to check your termination paperwork or contact HR to confirm your coverage end date.
2. Can you keep dental coverage after leaving a job?
Yes, in many situations you can keep your dental benefits after leaving a job—at least temporarily. Common options include:
- Enrolling in Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) continuation coverage, which allows you to keep your existing dental plan for a limited time
- Joining a spouse or partner’s dental plan, if you’re eligible. Keep in mind that continuation coverage typically means you’ll pay the full monthly premium yourself.
3. How long does dental coverage last after leaving a job?
If you elect COBRA, dental coverage can typically last up to 18 months after you leave your job. Some state programs may offer shorter continuation periods. Without continuation coverage, your dental benefit usually ends shortly after your employment ends.
4. How long does dental coverage last after being terminated?
Termination and layoffs are treated the same when it comes to dental benefits. Coverage usually ends immediately or at the end of the month in which you were terminated. You may then have the option to continue coverage through COBRA or purchase an individual dental plan.
5. If I had a Delta Dental of Washington employer-sponsored plan and enroll in a new Individual and Family Plan, does my information transfer between accounts?
No. Your information won’t transfer from your employer-sponsored plan account to your individual plan account. Once you enroll in an Individual and Family plan, you will need to create a new account on My.DeltaDentalCoversMe.Com.
How To Get Dental Insurance Without a Job
You still have several options for dental coverage even if you’re unemployed. A layoff may qualify you for a special life event which would then give you the opportunity to enroll in a plan through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange (WAHBE) – Washington's Affordable Care Act marketplace.
Additionally, if you are not planning on going back into the job market anytime soon, you can always enroll in an Individual and Family plan from Delta Dental of Washington at any time, regardless of employment status. Note that these plans require an annual contract, and so they are best suited for those who need coverage for a year or more.
Here’s a look at some of the common options you have to keep your dental coverage even after a layoff.
- Enroll in COBRA if you recently left a job with benefits
- Join a spouse’s or domestic partner’s plan
- Check WAHBE or Medicaid eligibility, as some states offer dental benefits for adults
- Look for low-cost preventive dental plans that focus on cleanings, exams, and basic care
- Purchase an individual dental plan directly from a dental insurance provider
Dental Insurance Options for Unemployed
Option #1: Get COBRA Dental Insurance
COBRA stands for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. It’s a way to continue getting health or dental insurance from your former employer. COBRA requires employers that have more than 20 employees to offer continued insurance coverage for 18 months after your last day on the job. This type of COBRA coverage is able to extend to you and your dependents.
The downside of COBRA is that under the current program, you as the former employee,may now be responsible for premiums. However, premiums cannot exceed the full cost of your coverage.
Common Questions about COBRA Dental Insurance
1. Does dental insurance fall under COBRA?
Yes. COBRA is a program that applies to dental, health, and vision benefits. However, you will only be able to continue using the benefit plans that you enrolled in when you were still employed. If you did not enroll in dental benefits during your employment, you will not be able to get them from your employer post-termination.
2. Can you get COBRA for dental only?
It depends. Sometimes, dental benefit plans are bundled with health insurance plans, meaning if the insurance provided by your employer includes vision and dental coverage, COBRA will cover the cost of those benefits as well.
3. How long does dental coverage under COBRA last?
COBRA dental coverage lasts 18 months from the date that you choose your coverage.
4. How do I apply for dental coverage with COBRA?
Your previous job benefits plan administrator will send you a COBRA election notice within 45 days. This notice will outline your rights, eligibility, costs, and how to enroll.
Learn more about COBRA dental insurance here.
Option #2: Buy Dental Insurance on the Washington Benefits Exchange
The Washington Health Benefits Exchange is Washington’s Affordable Care Act marketplace. For step-by-step enrollment instructions, read our comprehensive guide.
The Affordable Care Act creates a marketplace for each state to offer health and dental coverage to individuals and families. It’s an easily accessible, online marketplace where you can find, compare, and enroll in qualified health and dental plans.
You can also get information on tax credits or financial aid to help cover your copays and premiums. And because losing your job is often considered a qualifying life event, you don’t have to worry about the annual enrollment period; you can enroll right away. Visit our plans page or call 1-855-923-4633 to learn more.
Option #3: Purchase an Individual & Family Dental Plan
If you want to set yourself up for long-term coverage not tied to an employer, you may want to consider enrolling in an Individual and Family dental plan. As our Individual and Family plans require an annual contract, these plans are great for those who are looking for coverage for an extended period of time. However, if you are planning to re-enter the job market in less than a year, we recommend looking into COBRA coverage or WAHBE coverage first.
We offer several unique and affordable Individual and Family dental plans. Note that if you are just rolling off from an employer or COBRA full dental coverage plan (within the past 63 days), you may be qualified to waive the waiting period requirement for some of our plans with proof of prior coverage. This means you can focus on the important things like finding a new job instead of worrying about your dental coverage.
- Delta Dental – Premium Plan: Our plan with the highest annual maximum is great for those who want as extensive coverage as possible and plan on getting multiple periodontal cleanings or other dental procedures in the near future.
- Delta Dental – Plus Ortho Plan: If you were planning on getting orthodontic care for you or your family before being laid off, this is the plan for you. It covers 100% of preventive cleanings and 50% for braces (up to a $1500 orthodontia lifetime maximum per person).
- Delta Dental – Ascent Plan: Whatever the future holds, this plan will be there for you. Enjoy 100% coverage for most preventive appointments like cleanings and exams and watch your coverage increase each year after the first two years of holding this plan. Plus, there is no waiting period required for this plan, so you can enroll in this plan at any time, regardless of when your previous coverage ended.
- Delta Dental – Enhanced Plan: This well-rounded plan is a great place for enrollees to start. It covers 100% of preventive services like cleanings and up to 50% for other dental procedures.
- Delta Dental – Basic Plan: This affordable plan offers 100% coverage for preventive care like cleanings so your dental health can stay on track. Other dental procedures like nonsurgical extractions and fillings are covered up to 50%.
