Dental and Vision Coverage During 2027 Open Enrollment: Do You Need a Separate Plan?

When shopping for health insurance during 2027 Open Enrollment, many people assume dental and vision are automatically included. The reality is more nuanced — and understanding it can save you money and prevent coverage gaps. Here’s the breakdown.

Dental Coverage in ACA Marketplace Plans

ACA marketplace plans are required to include pediatric dental and vision as essential health benefits for children under 19. However, adult dental coverage is not required and is frequently not included — or is very limited — in standard health insurance plans.

What “pediatric dental” typically covers:

• Preventive care: cleanings, fluoride treatments, x-rays
• Basic restorative: fillings
• Some plans include orthodontia

If you have children, confirm the exact dental benefits in any plan you’re considering. The coverage level varies significantly between plans.

Adult Dental: Usually a Standalone Plan

For adult dental coverage, you typically have two options:

1. Add a standalone dental plan through the marketplace during Open Enrollment (marketplace dental plans must be purchased alongside or in the same enrollment as a health plan)
2. Purchase a standalone dental plan outside the marketplace directly from a dental insurer — these can be purchased year-round, not just during Open Enrollment

Standalone dental plans typically range from $20–$60/month for individuals and $50–$150/month for families, depending on coverage level and provider network.

Vision Coverage

Like adult dental, adult vision is not required by the ACA and is rarely included in standard marketplace health plans. Standalone vision plans are inexpensive — often $10–$20/month — and cover annual eye exams plus frames or contacts allowances.

Vision plans can also be purchased year-round, independent of Open Enrollment timing.

Is It Worth Adding Dental and Vision?

For most adults, yes — especially dental. A single crown can cost $1,000–$2,000 without insurance; even basic preventive coverage (two cleanings and x-rays per year) typically returns your premium in care value. Root canals, crowns, and orthodontia make dental insurance even more valuable.

Vision is typically worth it if you wear glasses or contacts — the annual exam cost plus frames/contacts allowance usually exceeds the modest premium.

What to Consider When Bundling

Adding dental and vision through the marketplace alongside your health plan can simplify administration (one enrollment process), but direct dental plans often have better networks and coverage. Compare both options — marketplace dental vs. standalone dental — before choosing.

Want help comparing dental and vision options alongside your 2027 health plan? Contact Paul at Garden State Benefits for a no-cost, no-obligation review of your 2027 options — he’s a licensed independent broker serving individuals and families across 26 states.