How do I purchase a dental and vision plan?

Good news! Employees can use their ICHRA allowance for dental and vision insurance. A dental or vision plan qualifies when it meets all of these rules:

1. The employee also has an active health plan that month

Dental and vision can't be the employee's only coverage. The employee needs to be enrolled in an individual health plan for the same month as the dental or vision premium they're submitting. A dental or vision plan can start the same month as the health plan.

2. It's real dental or vision insurance

It has to be an insurance policy, not a discount card or membership plan. Qualifying plans can come from:

A dental or vision insurance company, such as Ameritas or Guardian. Employees will find options on the Shop page of their StretchDollar portal.
The employee's state marketplace or HealthCare.gov
A broker or online insurance shop, including StretchDollar Brokerage
A Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan with dental or vision included. That counts as one plan, so the employee submits it as their health plan.

3. The employee sends proof

When submitting a reimbursement, the employee includes:

The insurance company's name
The premium amount
A bill, invoice or receipt that shows they're enrolled

When can I buy a dental or vision plan?

Plans bought directly from an insurance company can usually be bought any time of year. Some dental plans have a waiting period before major work is covered. Dental and vision plans on the Marketplace can only be added during Open Enrollment or after a qualifying life event.

How do I get reimbursed?

The employee pays their premium to the insurance company.
In their portal, they submit a reimbursement and choose Dental or Vision.
They upload their proof. Once you approve it as their admin, they're reimbursed by direct deposit.

Can an employee's family dental and vision be reimbursed?

Yes. Dependents' dental and vision plans follow the same rules.

What doesn't qualify?

Dental or vision on its own, with no health plan that month
Discount cards and membership plans
Dental or vision coverage through a spouse's or parent's employer

Need help picking a plan? See How to pick the right dental and vision plan, or email support@stretchdollar.com.