3 Ways Eye and Dental Insurance Can Save Employees Money

When selecting benefits plans, medical coverage is the No. 1 priority for employees. Following closely behind in popularity are dental and vision insurance benefits. As inflation affects the price of goods and services, people are tightening their budgets and reducing expenses. As employees review benefits, they may wonder if they need eye and dental insurance. In reality, these benefits are low-cost, high-value options that help keep people’s eyesight and smiles healthy for a lifetime. Consider three ways eye and dental insurance can save employees money.

1. Covers vision and dental needs that medical does not cover

Most people get medical benefits for unexpected health costs. If they’re in an accident and injure their eyes or mouth, medical insurance helps cover the cost. However, medical insurance won’t cover routine preventive dental and vision exams that help people keep their eyes and teeth healthy. Eye and dental insurance plans provide the security of knowing that preventive exams are covered at or near 100% and include annual benefits toward eyewear and other dental services, respectively.

Eye insurance – During the exam, an eye professional conducts several tests, which help reveal signs of potential vision and health problems. Then the eye doctor looks deep into the eye to check for changes in blood vessels that could signal macular degeneration or glaucoma. The eye exam also can reveal medical problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, vascular disease, high cholesterol or rheumatoid arthritis.

Dental insurance – During exams, the dentist cleans your teeth and gums. As with an eye exam, the dentist looks for signs of health and medical concerns in your mouth that could lead to serious problems. For example, without regular teeth cleanings, harmful bacteria that hides in plaque and tartar buildup can enter the bloodstream, leading to diabetes, heart disease or stroke. The dentist visually checks the tongue for oral cancer as well.

2. Provides cost savings and choices

Eye insurance covers preventive exams at 100% and offers significant savings on eyewear, such as glasses and contacts, plus discounts on additional eyewear options and LASIK.

Dental insurance provides members with peace of mind, typically covering preventive checkups at 100%. It includes benefits toward basic and major procedures, like fillings and crowns as well. Many dental plans offer an adult and child orthodontia benefit, too.

Learn how people with Ameritas dental insurance can estimate dental costs before scheduling procedures.

There are many types of dental plans. A Participating Provider Organization (PPO) is a popular plan that helps members save money on oral health costs. The PPO network includes many doctors nationwide who agree to contracted prices for dental procedures, including cleanings and X-rays. Doctors who participate in the program are called in-network providers. If you see a health professional not in the network, you’ll probably pay more out-of-pocket.

3. Protects eyes and teeth long term

New research shows that 92% of Americans would delay dental care, even if it’s an emergency, due to costs. However, caring for your teeth is an investment in your overall health and well-being. Putting off dental or vision exams can lead to more expensive procedures in the future. Studies also show people with dental insurance tend to use their coverage, which helps them maintain better oral health.

About 11 million Americans ages 12 and older have vision problems. Studies show that nearly 45% of adults haven‘t had an eye exam for over two years, which means they may not see as well as they should. Delaying eye exams also means the eye doctor may miss important vision changes and eye diseases at an early stage.

Sources and References:

American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Dental Association
MSN