MNsure Dental Plans 2026: Humana vs Companion Compared
A complete comparison of MNsure's five dental carriers—premiums, annual maximums, waiting periods, and which plan saves you the most.
New for 2026: Two Additional Dental Carriers
MNsure added Humana and Companion Life as dental partners for 2026, bringing the total to five carriers statewide. This gives Minnesotans more choices for stand-alone dental coverage than ever before. Learn more at MNsure
"Five dental insurance companies now offer dental plans through MNsure across Minnesota... Minnesotans can get application and enrollment help from health insurance experts at no cost."
MNsure offers dental plans from five carriers in 2026, with Humana and Companion Life joining as new options. Humana plans start at $10–$20/month (Lite plan) with a $1,000–$1,500 annual maximum, while Companion plans start at $15–$30/month (Premier PPO) with a $1,000–$2,000 annual maximum. According to HealthInsurance.org, adult dental insurance in Minnesota through the exchange ranges from $10 to $55 per month across all carriers. Unlike most states, Minnesota allows you to purchase stand-alone ACA dental plans through MNsure without also buying a health plan—making it easier to get affordable dental coverage MN residents need.
What Dental Plans Are Available on MNsure for 2026?
MNsure partners with five dental insurance Minnesota carriers for 2026. According to MNsure's network directory, all five carriers offer individual and family dental plans, though dental coverage MN availability varies by carrier and county.
Humana
NEW FOR 2026- Coverage: Statewide (all 87 counties)
- Plans: Smart Choice Lite, Low, High
- Network: 270,000+ dentist locations
- Type: PPO
Companion Life (EMI Health)
NEW FOR 2026- Coverage: Statewide (all 87 counties)
- Plans: Premier PPO (Low), Advantage Co-Pay
- Network: EMI Health Advantage PPO
- Type: PPO / Co-Pay
Delta Dental of Minnesota
- Coverage: Statewide (all 87 counties)
- Plans: Delta Dental Kids, Bronze+
- Network: Largest nationwide (80%+ of dentists)
- Type: PPO
Guardian
- Coverage: Most counties (check availability)
- Plans: Guardian Basics for Families
- Network: Nationwide PPO
- Benefit: No waiting periods on most coverage
Dentegra
- Coverage: Metro only (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington, Wright)
- Plans: Dental PPO Family Basic, Dental PPO Family Preferred
What Does MNsure Dental Insurance Cover?
All MNsure dental plans—including ACA dental plans from Humana, Companion, and others—cover three categories of services, though coverage percentages and waiting periods vary by plan. Here's the typical dental coverage MN residents can expect:
Preventive Care
Usually covered at 100% with no waiting period
- • Routine cleanings (2x/year)
- • Oral exams
- • X-rays
- • Fluoride treatments
- • Sealants (children)
Basic Services
Usually covered at 50–80% after 3–6 month wait
- • Fillings
- • Simple extractions
- • Root canals
- • Periodontal cleanings
- • Emergency care
Major Services
Usually covered at 50% after 6–12 month wait
- • Crowns
- • Bridges
- • Dentures
- • Oral surgery
- • Implants (if covered)
Understanding Waiting Periods
Most dental plans have waiting periods for basic and major services to prevent people from signing up only when they need expensive work. According to Humana's dental resources, typical waiting periods are:
- • Preventive: No waiting period
- • Basic (fillings, extractions): 3–6 months
- • Major (crowns, dentures): 6–12 months
Exception: If you had continuous dental coverage previously, some plans will waive waiting periods. Guardian specifically advertises no waiting periods on most coverage.
Is Standalone Dental Insurance Worth Buying?
Whether dental insurance Minnesota residents buy through MNsure is worth it depends on your dental health and expected needs. Here's a cost-benefit analysis for ACA dental plans:
Dental Insurance Is Worth It If:
- •You need regular preventive care (cleanings worth $150–$300/year are covered at 100%)
- •You have children (pediatric dental is an essential health benefit with no annual max)
- •You know you'll need basic work (fillings cost $150–$400 without insurance)
- •You want budget predictability for dental expenses
Consider Skipping If:
- •You have excellent dental health and rarely need services beyond cleanings
- •You need major work NOW (waiting periods mean you'd pay out of pocket anyway)
- •Annual premiums exceed expected benefits (e.g., $600/year in premiums for only cleanings)
- •You prefer paying out-of-pocket or using a dental discount plan
Quick Math: Is Dental Insurance Worth It?
If you pay $25/month ($300/year) for dental insurance and get two cleanings ($200), an exam ($75), and X-rays ($50), that's $325 in preventive services covered at 100%—you're already ahead. Add one filling ($200, covered at 80% = you pay $40), and you've saved $285 compared to paying out of pocket. The math usually favors insurance if you use preventive care regularly.
"Regular dental visits help detect oral health problems early when treatment is simpler and more affordable... Oral health is essential to general health and quality of life."
Does MinnesotaCare Include Dental Coverage?
Yes. MinnesotaCare provides comprehensive dental coverage through Delta Dental of Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Human Services, MinnesotaCare dental benefits include:
Children Under 21
- Comprehensive dental coverage
- No copays for dental services
- 2 preventive visits per year
- Fluoride varnishes
Adults 21+
- Basic dental services covered
- Cleanings, fillings, extractions
- Copays apply for most services
- Delta Dental Minnesota Select network
If you qualify for MinnesotaCare (income between 138%–200% of the federal poverty level), you don't need to purchase separate dental insurance. MinnesotaCare premiums range from $0–$80/month and include medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Which MNsure Dental Plan Is Best?
The "best" dental insurance Minnesota plan depends on your priorities. Here are our recommendations for MNsure dental plans—Humana vs Companion vs Delta Dental and others—based on different needs:
| Your Priority | Recommended Carrier | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest premium | Humana Smart Choice - Lite | Starts at ~$10/month with basic coverage |
| Largest network | Delta Dental of Minnesota | 80%+ of dentists nationwide accept Delta |
| No waiting periods | Guardian | Most coverage available immediately |
| Fixed copays (predictable costs) | Companion Advantage Co-Pay | Pay set amounts instead of percentages |
| Kids only | Delta Dental Kids Plan | Designed for pediatric coverage with APTC eligibility |
| Metro area only | Dentegra | Competitive rates if you live in the 9-county metro |
Our Top Pick: Humana Smart Choice - Low
For most Minnesotans, Humana Smart Choice - Low offers the best balance of affordability (~$20–$35/month), statewide coverage, a large PPO network (270,000+ locations), and solid benefits. The $1,000 annual maximum is sufficient for preventive care and basic work, and the $50 deductible is reasonable.
"Members can maximize benefits by choosing one of the more than 270,000 dentist locations in the Humana Dental PPO network. There's no age requirement and you'll never be turned away for pre-existing conditions."
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does dental insurance cost on MNsure?
Dental insurance premiums on MNsure for 2026 range from about $10 to $55 per month for adults, depending on the carrier and plan level. Family plans cost more based on the number of people covered. Pediatric dental coverage for children under 19 may qualify for premium tax credits if purchased as a stand-alone plan.
Is Humana or Companion dental better?
When comparing MNsure dental plans Humana vs Companion, both carriers offer statewide coverage and PPO-style plans. Humana has three plan tiers (Lite, Low, High) with a larger national network of 270,000+ dentists. Companion Life (EMI Health) offers two plans (Premier PPO and Advantage Co-Pay) with competitive premiums. The best dental insurance Minnesota choice depends on your budget, preferred dentist, and coverage needs.
Do MNsure dental plans have waiting periods?
Most MNsure dental plans have no waiting period for preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays). Basic services like fillings may have a 3-6 month waiting period, and major services like crowns or dentures typically have a 6-12 month waiting period. Some plans waive waiting periods if you had prior continuous dental coverage.
Can I buy dental insurance without health insurance on MNsure?
Yes. In Minnesota, you can purchase a stand-alone ACA dental plan through MNsure without also buying a health insurance plan. This is different from most other states. All five dental carriers on MNsure offer individual and family dental plans that can be purchased separately, giving you flexibility in your dental coverage MN options.
What is the annual maximum for MNsure dental plans?
Annual maximums for adult dental coverage on MNsure typically range from $1,000 to $2,000 per person. This is the most your plan will pay for dental services in a calendar year. Pediatric dental coverage has no annual maximum for medically necessary services under ACA rules, but has a $450 out-of-pocket maximum per child ($900 per family).
Does MinnesotaCare include dental coverage?
Yes. MinnesotaCare provides comprehensive dental coverage through Delta Dental of Minnesota for both adults and children. Adults receive coverage for basic dental services including cleanings, fillings, and extractions with copays. Children under 21 receive expanded dental coverage with no copays.
Which MNsure dental carrier has the largest network?
Delta Dental of Minnesota has the largest dental network nationally with access to over 80% of dentists in the U.S. Humana's PPO network includes 270,000+ dentist locations nationwide. Guardian and Companion Life also offer substantial PPO networks. Dentegra has the smallest network, limited to the Twin Cities metro area.
Can I use premium tax credits for dental insurance?
Premium tax credits (APTC) can only be applied to the pediatric dental portion of stand-alone ACA dental plans for children under 19. Adult dental coverage does not qualify for tax credits. If you have leftover APTC after applying it to your health plan, you can apply the remainder to a child's dental plan premium through MNsure.
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Sources
- MNsure: Insurance Companies and Networks
- MNsure: Humana Dental Plan Options
- Companion Life / EMI Health: Dental Plan Benefits
- HealthInsurance.org: Minnesota Dental Insurance 2026 Guide
- Humana: What is a Dental Insurance Waiting Period?
- Minnesota DHS: MinnesotaCare Coverage
- Delta Dental of Minnesota
- American Dental Association: Oral Health and Well-Being Report
Last updated: February 22, 2026. Premium and plan data from MNsure Shop and Compare tool and carrier websites. This content is for informational purposes only. Navitize is not affiliated with any insurance carrier or government agency.