FAQ: MIT Graduate Student Dental Plan
What does the plan cover?
Covered in full: Routine diagnostic and preventative services once every six months, including emergency exams and periodic X-rays.
Covered at 80 percent after $50 deductible per member per year: Other dental services, such as fillings (tooth-color or silver) and root canal therapy. Download the Summary of Benefits for more information.
Who is eligible to enroll?
MIT graduate students enrolled in a degree-granting program.
Spouses/partners and dependent child(ren) of MIT graduate students. An MIT graduate student must be enrolled in the Plan in order for family members to be insured.
Can I enroll my spouse or children?
Yes. If you enroll in the Plan, you can also enroll your spouse/partner and child(ren)/dependent(s).
What other dental insurance coverage options do I have if I am under age 19?
As part of Affordable Care Act requirements, the Student Extended Insurance Plan provides some basic dental coverage for covered individuals younger than 19. See our Schedule of Dental Benefits for more information, or contact Member Services.
How much does it cost?
For 2021-2022:
- Individuals: $544.56 per year ($45.38 per month).
- Families: $1337.36 per year ($114.78 per month). Note that the family rate is the same whether you choose to enroll only your spouse/partner, only your child(ren), or both; and the cost is the same regardless of the number of children enrolled.
You’ll pay for the first three months of coverage when you enroll. After that, you’ll pay monthly, one month in advance, on the same day of the month as your initial enrollment.
When can I enroll?
You can enroll from July 15 to August 15.
What if I miss the sign-up window? Can I sign up after August 15 or in the middle of the school year?
No. You cannot sign up outside of the July 15–August 15 window unless you lose your existing dental insurance or experience a “qualifying life event”—like getting married or having a baby. If you join in the middle of the year after a qualifying life event, you will receive a single bill, but only for the months you receive coverage.
Other dental plans with different enrollment periods may be available through the Massachusetts Health Connector or University Health Plans.
How long will I have coverage?
Coverage lasts from September 1 to August 31 of the next year.
Where can I use it?
You can use the Plan anywhere that accepts the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Dental Blue Program 1. This includes MIT Medical’s Dental Service, located on the fifth floor of building E23. You can make an appointment by dialing 617-253-1501.
Can I transfer my previous dental records to MIT Dental?
Yes. Just have your clinician send your X-rays and other information to mitdental@med.mit.edu.
Is there a maximum benefit?
Yes. You may receive up to $1,500 in services per year. For more information, download the Summary of Benefits.
Are braces or other orthodontic services covered?
No. This plan does not include coverage for braces or orthodontics. Additionally, MIT Medical’s Dental Service does not offer orthodontic services, but they can direct you to orthodontists in the Cambridge area.
Do benefits roll over from year to year?
Yes, some benefits roll over to the next year if they are not used. If you have at least one dental appointment but use less than $700 in services in one year, you can roll over $500 of benefit to use the following year—or beyond, to a maximum of $1,250. Download the Summary of Benefits to learn more.
How do I enroll?
To sign up between July 15 and August 15, visit Gallagher Student Health.
