Why dental benefits matter and how to choose the right plan
According to a recent report from the Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association, 74 percent of employees consider dental benefits extremely or very important to have. After medical insurance, it's an employee’s top priority when considering the overall value of a benefits package. So, how do you make sure you’re tailoring coverage to give them the best possible benefit? By asking the following questions when reviewing your dental options, you can find the right dental plan to fit your employees’ needs.
What’s covered by dental benefits?
At a minimum, your dental benefits should cover basic diagnostic, preventive and restorative care — like check-ups, cleanings, cavity repair, extractions and root canal treatment. This is a standard benefit design offered by most dental carriers. If most of your employees are older, benefits should include coverage for implants, crowns, dentures and bridges as well. While orthodontics is commonly thought of as a popular benefit for families with young children or teenagers, it's actually a desirable benefit for employees of all ages.
Depending on the dental insurance carrier, additional benefits may be offered based on certain health conditions, like pregnancy, heart disease, diabetes and more. It's worth looking into what, if any, of these conditions are covered and how that could benefit your employees and their families.
How much does dental coverage cost?
Quality dental coverage is important, but so is your bottom line. A popular option is voluntary dental coverage, which means your employees can have access to an affordable dental plan by paying the full premium. Or, you may choose a contributory dental plan (a plan where the employee and employer share premium cost). If you decide on this plan design, ask your benefits consultant about the best way to structure your contribution. For example, a four-tier rate structure that covers single employees, employees and spouses, employees and dependents, and families gives your employees the flexibility to choose the coverage that meets their needs.
How big is the dental provider network?
The more dentists who participate in a network, the lower your claim costs will be. That’s because carriers with broader networks — like Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield's Blue DentalSM network — can work with providers to set fees. Plus, more dentists and provider locations help encourage your employees to seek regular dental care. If you have employees who work remotely or travel frequently for their job, you want to make sure your dental carrier has a strong national network as well. While your employees can always see an out-of-network dentist, they’ll save money if they stay in-network.
Shop dental plans built for how your employees work
When it comes to dental benefits, access matters. A strong network makes it easier for employees to find care at home, on the road or working remotely, and helps them save more when they stay in-network. Compare Blue Dental plans for small businesses and choose the fit that supports your workforce and your budget.
Blue Dental plans are also available for large group employers. Learn more about large group dental plans.
What else should I consider in a dental plan?
Ask your benefits consultant about the differences between choosing a dental-only carrier and bundling your medical and dental benefits. To make your dental benefits easier to understand for your employees, look for carriers that offer member support and tools — like online portals that allow them to manage their plan more efficiently.
Wellmark members have access to myWellmark®, a personalized website that allows them to make the most of their health benefits with tools, resources and insights that help manage spending — which can ultimately help your bottom line. With myWellmark, your employees can search for in-network dentists, look up the status of their claims, track and organize their expenses, see relevant information related to their specific coverage and more.
Dental coverage is no longer a nice-to-have benefit
Dental care for your employees is about more than their teeth. Routine dental exams can detect symptoms of larger health concerns, like diabetes and heart disease. And, when your employees visit the dentist regularly, they're less likely to miss work because of unplanned dental care — which can lead to millions of dollars in lost productivity each year. Dental coverage is essential for a comprehensive benefits package that attracts and helps retain valuable employees.
Have questions about the most cost-effective dental coverage for your business? Talk to your Wellmark representative or agent about Wellmark’s dental offerings.