Finding the Right Group Health Insurance and Ancillary Benefits in Columbus, Ohio
As an employer in Cincinnati, Ohio, one of your top priorities should be offering dental insurance to employees. With rising costs of dental care, having coverage makes regular preventive appointments and necessary treatments more accessible and affordable. Choosing the right dental plan not only helps attract and retain talent, but also promotes better oral and overall health. This article explores considerations for selecting group dental benefits to meet your business and budget needs in the Cincinnati area.
Understanding Plan Options
The group health insurance market in Columbus and nationwide continues to evolve. As mandated by the Affordable Care Act, insurers can no longer deny coverage or charge more due to pre-existing conditions. This provides more options for small businesses and individuals to purchase plans, whether through private insurers, the federal insurance marketplace or Ohio’s state-based exchange.
Here’s a quick overview:
DHMOs require members to see in-network dentists and get referrals for specialty care. Services rendered by out-of-network dentists typically aren’t covered except emergencies. Premiums are usually lower.
DPPOs allow employees flexibility to visit any licensed dentist without referrals. However, out-of-network dentists can charge beyond the plan’s allowed amount. Employees pay the difference. Premiums tend to be higher than DHMO plans.
When reviewing plans, look at coverage details for basic, major and orthodontic services. Copays, coinsurance, annual maximum benefits and waiting periods for certain treatments may apply. Consulting an insurance broker can help compare specific plan offerings in the Cincinnati market.
Top Dental Carriers in Cincinnati
Several leading insurance companies provide group dental coverage in the Cincinnati area, including:
Delta Dental – This national nonprofit company is one of the largest dental insurers in the country. They offer both PPO and HMO plans with extensive provider networks.
Cigna – This global health services company offers preferred provider plans providing preventive care, basic services and major dental work coverage.
Humana – Headquartered in Louisville, Humana offers affordable DHMO and DPPO options focused on preventive and diagnostic dental care.
UnitedHealthcare – One of the largest health insurers, UnitedHealthcare provides PPO dental plans with comprehensive coverage.
MetLife – Known for life insurance, MetLife also offers trusted DHMO and PPO group dental plans nationwide.
When comparing carriers, look at factors like customer service ratings, breadth of networks, availability of online member portals and value-added services like orthodontic or implant coverage.
Navigating the Marketplace
The health insurance marketplace created under the Affordable Care Act is another option for sourcing group dental plans in Cincinnati. Offerings combine plans from marketplace carriers like Cigna and Delta Dental with federal coverage mandates. Shopping on the marketplace simplifies making apples-to-apples comparisons of plan premiums, copays, annual maximums and other features. Working with a broker familiar with the marketplace can provide guidance on the enrollment process and choosing the optimal plan.
Importance of Regular Dental Checkups
Encouraging regular preventive dental care is key to improving oral health outcomes and controlling costs. Most plans fully cover cleanings, oral exams and x-rays with no deductible. These visits allow early detection of issues like gum disease, cavities and oral cancer before they become more complex and expensive to treat. Diagnosing small problems early reduces the chance of developing painful tooth decay or tooth loss later on. Plans that impose waiting periods for basic services incentivize members to get preventive care right away.
Beyond cleanings, coverage for services like sealants and topical fluoride treatments provide added prevention. Whether you offer a DHMO or DPPO plan, promote the value of preventive dental to employees. Consider tying checkups to incentive programs or additional PTO.
Saving with Network Providers
To maximize savings for employer and employees, encourage using in-network general dentists and specialists whenever possible. PPO plans offer the most choice but selecting a quality in-network provider is still best for reducing out-of-pocket costs. Many leading carriers allow members to browse provider profiles and see patient satisfaction scores. Recommend employees look for providers with weekend and evening hours for added convenience. Many plans also have online tools to estimate costs for common procedures based on network status. This allows employees to evaluate potential out-of-pocket costs when considering providers.
Covering Major Services
While preventive visits are crucial, employees will inevitably need major restorative dental treatments over time like crowns, bridges and root canals. These services come at a higher cost, which is why choosing a plan with sufficient coverage for major work is important. Many plans come with an annual maximum benefit in the $1000 to $1500 range. Review dollar limits when comparing plan options to ensure adequate coverage for more complex treatments. Also look for plans that lower coinsurance for major services after members hit an annual expenditure threshold. This can help reduce costs for your team.
Adding Orthodontic Benefits
Orthodontic treatments like braces predominantly benefit children and teens but can provide substantial value to your benefits package. Traditionally, orthodontia is offered as an optional add-on to dental plans for additional premiums. Some carriers now bundle pediatric orthodontia into standard plans. This gives you the flexibility to set employer contributions to meet your budget. If you decide to include orthodontia, look for plans that offer clear aligners as an alternative to traditional bracket-based treatments. Aligners offer a more aesthetic and comfortable option.
Controlling Costs
When selecting dental benefits, balancing adequate coverage with cost considerations is key. Consider these cost management strategies as you review options:
Increase deductibles to lower premiums but pair with health savings accounts so employees can save pre-tax dollars for care costs.
Set employer contributions to a fixed dollar amount. This lets employees pick plans based on personal budget and needs.
Consider voluntary plans allowing employees to purchase additional coverage at their own expense.
Offer dual choice options combining high and low coverage plans.
Look for discounts on bundled medical, dental and vision plans.
Seeking expert guidance from brokers familiar with Cincinnati’s dental insurance landscape can help you negotiate the best rates. By following the tips here, you’re on your way to providing dental benefits tailored to your employees’ needs and your bottom line. Reach out to request quotes from top carriers today.
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