Benefit Sources & Solutions

Dental

Group dental plans often have many of the same characteristics as group medical plans. Most offer benefits based on a tiered level of coverage in categories such as: Preventive, Basic, Major, and Orthodontics. Typically, plans have a deductible, coinsurance amounts for each type of covered service, and may utilize various care delivery systems.

Though not as prevalent as in medical plans, managed care has become a factor in the delivery of dental care. While many plans still provide coverage using a traditional indemnity method, dental networks are rapidly gaining in popularity. Often the use of a dental network can help manage claim costs and reduce employee expenses by allowing the employee to access treatment using pre-negotiated and/or discounted fees.

A group dental plan may be offered as a fully-paid employer benefit, a shared cost benefit between employers and employees (a contributory plan), or as a voluntary plan, with the employees paying the entire premium. Companies requiring employee contributions for dental coverage may benefit from a Section 125 Cafeteria plan in which premiums are paid with pre-tax salary.

Vision

Considering that visual impairment is one of the 10 most frequent causes of disability in the United States, and at least 63% of American adults currently wear glasses or contacts, the need for vision insurance is clear.

Offering an employee vision insurance plan can be:
• Simple - a supplemental expense benefit with no deductibles, no copayments and no networks;
• Affordable - provided on a scheduled basis, so you have a benefit offering that meets your cost and objectives;
• Appreciated - vision insurance may not be considered an essential employee benefit, but it is a benefit employees will appreciate.

Vision care options can include:
• Employer-paid vision insurance that is affordable and flexible.
• Voluntary employee-paid coverage.
• Vision Care Discounts through the VSP Access Plan on: Eye exams, prescription glasses and lens options; contact lens evaluations and fittings; laser surgery through contracted PRK and LASIK surgery facilities

Benefit Sources & Solutions can help guide employers in selecting the Dental and Vision Plans that best meet their emloyees’ needs.