As of January 1, 2014, most Americans will be required to have dental coverage for their children. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is charged with defining what the benefit plans look like and what the age limit will be. In a November 2012 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on the essential health benefits (EHB), HHS proposed an age limit of up to 19, with the option for states to raise it higher.

Also starting in 2014, individuals and small businesses will have access to kids’ dental plans through Health Insurance Exchanges. People who meet certain income requirements will get subsidies to help pay for coverage.