If you're a Louisiana resident looking for dental insurance, you have several options to consider. The cost of dental insurance in Louisiana can vary depending on the provider and the level of coverage.
In Louisiana, you can purchase individual dental insurance plans from private insurance companies, such as Delta Dental and Humana. These plans can be purchased directly from the insurance company or through a licensed agent.
The cost of individual dental insurance plans in Louisiana can range from $50 to $150 per month, depending on the level of coverage and the provider. For example, a basic plan from Delta Dental may cost around $50 per month, while a more comprehensive plan from Humana may cost closer to $150 per month.
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Cost and Types of Plans
The average cost of dental insurance in Louisiana is $28 per month or about $337 per year, but the final price depends on several factors including your choice of dental benefits, tobacco usage, and location.
You can choose from several types of dental insurance plans, including DHMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization) and PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans, which are popular among Louisianans.
DHMO plans may be a more cost-effective option, as they require you to use dentists within the plan's network, but this could be a great choice if your dentist is already in-network.
For adults purchasing stand-alone dental coverage through the exchange in Louisiana, premiums range from about $11 to $44 per month in 2025.
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Cost
The cost of dental insurance in Louisiana can vary depending on several factors, with the average cost being around $28 per month or about $337 per year.
Your choice of dental benefits, tobacco usage, the number of people covered on your policy, and location all play a role in determining your final premium.
For adults purchasing stand-alone dental coverage through the exchange, premiums in 2025 range from about $11 to $44 per month.
Louisiana's new law, enacted in 2024, requires dental plans to file dental loss ratio reports with the state insurance commissioner, making it easier for consumers to see how their premiums are being spent.
Dental loss ratio reports will be publicly available starting in 2025, giving consumers more transparency into how their premiums are being used.
There are also dental discount plans available in every state, which offer discounted rates at participating dentists, but are not insurance.
Your location is a significant factor in determining the cost of your dental insurance, with insurance providers considering where you reside when setting your rates.
The level of coverage you choose can also impact the cost of your policy, with different deductibles, co-pays, and yearly maximum options available.
Your overall dental health can also affect the cost of your policy, with better dental health meaning less need to use your policy and coverage.
Types
There are several types of dental insurance plans available in Louisiana, whether you're purchasing coverage for yourself or your entire family.
DHMO plans, or Dental Health Maintenance Organization plans, can be a more cost-effective option, but you'll need to use dentists within the plan's provider network.
PPO plans, or Preferred Provider Organization plans, typically offer more choice and flexibility, but often come with higher premiums.
If you prefer to see a specialist, a PPO plan may be the better choice, as you won't need a referral from your regular dentist.
You can purchase stand-alone dental plans that cover both adults and children through the Louisiana health insurance Marketplace, HealthCare.gov.
Some dental plans, like the Essential Choice PPO Dental Plans, offer benefits like no waiting period for diagnostic and preventive care, and higher annual benefit maximums up to $2,500.
Here are some key features of different dental insurance plans:
Some family plans, like the Dental Family PPO Insurance Plans, offer benefits like low deductibles, no annual benefit limits for pediatric-age kids, and higher or no annual benefit maximums.
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Health Plan with Minimal Benefits
If you have a health plan with minimal or no dental benefits, don't worry, there are options available to you. You can consider enrolling in a separate or stand-alone Anthem dental plan, which can be purchased at any time of the year.
A separate or stand-alone dental plan can provide you with coverage for routine preventive care to complex procedures like root canals. These plans can save you money on dental care and help protect the health of you and your family.
With a separate or stand-alone dental plan, you can get cleanings, exams, and X-rays at 100% with no waiting period when you visit a dentist in your plan's network. This means you can get the care you need without breaking the bank.
Here are some benefits of separate or stand-alone dental plans:
- Separate or stand-alone dental plans cover routine preventive care to complex procedures like root canals.
- The plan covers cleanings, exams, and X-rays at 100% with no waiting period when you visit a dentist in your plan’s network.
- A dental plan can save you money on dental care and help protect the health of you and your family.
Louisiana Dental Insurance Requirements
Louisiana requires dental insurance to cover essential services, including routine cleanings and exams, fillings, and extractions.
Dental insurance in Louisiana is regulated by the Louisiana Department of Insurance.
A minimum of 50% of the plan's total benefit must be allocated to major services, which include crowns, bridges, and dentures.
Most dental insurance plans in Louisiana offer a range of coverage options, including PPOs, HMOs, and indemnity plans.
In Louisiana, dental insurance plans must provide coverage for children's dental care, including orthodontia.
A waiting period of up to 6 months may apply for certain services, such as orthodontia.
What is Covered
Louisiana's Medicaid program provides dental coverage to eligible adults, including diagnostic exams and dentures.
Adults enrolled in Medicaid can receive some dental services, but the benefits are more comprehensive for children. Children enrolled in Medicaid can receive a wide array of preventive and therapeutic services.
Eligible children in Louisiana can receive robust dental benefits, including routine teeth cleaning and fillings, thanks to their Medicaid coverage.
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What Does LA Cover?
In Louisiana, dental insurance plans cover a wide range of treatments, including preventative exams, routine teeth cleaning, fillings, and X-rays. You can also expect coverage for periodontics, endodontics, dentures, bridges, root canals, and other surgical treatments.
Preventative care is a crucial part of maintaining good oral health, and having insurance that covers these services can help you stay on top of your dental health.
Louisiana's dental insurance plans also cover X-rays, which are an essential diagnostic tool for dentists to identify potential issues early on.
Dental insurance policies may include coverage for dentures, bridges, and other restorative treatments, which can be a lifesaver if you're in need of these services.
In Louisiana, dental insurance plans have annual maximums, which means there's a limit on what they'll pay out each year. If you exceed this limit, you'll be responsible for all costs over that amount.
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Paper Claims
If you need to submit a paper claim, you can send it via postal mail to MCNA at MCNA Dental.
You'll want to make sure you have the correct address to send your claim to. The address is MCNA Dental.
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Alternatives and Options
If you're looking for alternatives to traditional dental insurance in Louisiana, consider a dental discount plan or a prepaid dental plan. These options are popular alternatives to traditional insurance.
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Some people find value in buying dental coverage apart from their medical plan, which usually offers more choices and better benefits. This is especially true for families with unique dental needs.
A dental HMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization) plan can be a cost-effective option, but you'll need to use dentists within the plan's provider network. This could be a great choice if your dentist is already in-network.
A dental PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan is typically the most expensive option, but it comes with more choice and the flexibility to pick a dentist you prefer.
If you're not sure where to start, you can learn more about dental insurance options and coverage by visiting our website.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the best dental insurance?
Delta Dental is considered the best overall dental insurance provider, offering comprehensive coverage at an affordable price with a low deductible of $50.
Does Medicaid cover dental in Louisiana?
Yes, Louisiana Medicaid and CHIP cover many costs of routine and preventive dental care. Eligibility is based on family income.
Does dental insurance cover the full cost?
No, full coverage dental plans do not cover 100% of the costs, but they do provide comprehensive coverage for various procedures. Learn more about the specific services and costs covered by these plans.
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