Group Dental and Vision Insurance

Like with medical insurance, there are several types of plans under which to offer dental coverage:

• Dental health maintenance organization (DHMO) – This covers visits only to in-network dentists.
• Dental preferred provider organization (DPPO) – In- or out-of-network dental providers are covered, albeit at different rates.
• Dental indemnity plan – Any dental provider is covered, with no difference in cost.
• Discount dental plan – This is an alternative to the regular plans above, wherein all dental care is at an agreed-upon discounted rate.

Since 2014 under the Affordable Care Act, all non-grandfathered medical health plans must offer either dental benefits or certified stand-alone coverage for children. This does not include orthodontia deemed not medically necessary.

Vision care is not only essential to your employees’ health, but it is also vital to your business. First, employees at any age can experience vision-related concerns that may impact your health plan budget and infringe on their productivity. One example common today with constant use of screens is vision stress. This leads to headaches, blurred vision, and loss of concentration. Second, vision exams result in early detection of medical conditions like diabetes. Such conditions among employees and their families increase your medical costs.

Group Vision Insurance plans are designed to provide routine preventative care, such as eye exams, eyewear, and other vision services at a reduced rate. There are two forms in which this benefit is typically offered for employees:

1. A vision benefits package provides vision care to employees in exchange for an annual premium or membership fee, yearly deductible, or copayment.
2. A discounted vision plan provides vision care at a fixed reduced rate after members pay an annual premium or membership fee and deductible.

There are many options to consider and weigh cost on. Also, there are health care reform implications that can be a lot to navigate. In addition, one roadblock employers face is trying to encourage employees to utilize the plan once enrolled. At Viti Companies, we are here to walk you through all of this. We help you evaluate and navigate all the options, while consulting with you on compliance. Further, we advise you on areas such as benefits adoption.