Ancillary Benefits: How the ACA Impacts Dental and Vision Plans

The winds of change are upon us. As federal and state exchange mandates unfold, the impact to medical benefits is becoming clearer. But what about dental and vision plans? How does the Affordable Care Act (ACA) impact them? And, how can you leverage these changes to your advantage and find success during reform?

First, it’s important to know a few of the facts:

• Under the ACA, employer groups are not required to purchase dental and vision benefits through state or federal exchanges. This is an advantage to you because you have these in-demand products available to sell directly to your clients.
• On the ACA exchanges, medical coverage may include all 10 Essential Health Benefits (EHBs), including the pediatric dental EHB. But it’s important to note that on some ACA exchanges, like those in Florida and New York, the pediatric dental EHB requirement can also be fulfilled by a stand-alone dental plan. Solstice’s EssentialSmile dental plans meet the pediatric dental EHB.
• The pediatric dental EHB is a required offering in 2014 and beyond for new small groups and individual plans, both on and off exchange. As such, new exchange-certified dental plans can be purchased on or off an exchange, as long as the pediatric dental EHB is fulfilled.
• The embedded pediatric dental EHB included in medical plans may not cover adults. So, families needing comprehensive family dental care can consider a true dental benefit. Even those looking for a plan for their children only might want to consider fulfilling their pediatric dental EHB with a true family stand alone dental plan. Why? Simply put: they will likely will get more services they need for the entire family, such as orthodontia, periodontal care and more.

 Ancillary for Success

You can help your clients and other employer groups continue to retain and attract top notch employees through ancillary benefit offerings. Over 90 percent of large employers offer dental coverage, and that number continues to rise year after year.* Ancillary benefits will play a key role in their employee compensation package. You can create a powerful proposal with dental benefits, as dental coverage remains employees’ most desired benefit after medical coverage.

With many health plans moving to exchanges, dental and vision plans remain a healthy sales instrument for you.  When looking for dental and vision plans for your clients, consider plans that couple cost savings with quality coverage.

The bottom line: dental and vision plans remain a highly demanded product for your clients, as well as viable sales tools to support your business.

Want to know more? Our Broker E-Newsletter has ACA information, private exchange sales strategies and key reform dates for you and your clients. Click the image below to access the latest edition of our E-Newsletter.

Reform policies change often so be sure to bookmark our broker blog for updates and news.

 * NADP 2005, 2008, 2011 purchaser survey

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or legal opinions.  You should not act or rely on any information contained in this without first seeking the advice of an attorney