Aetna Beefs Up Voluntary Dental Product Line

April 12, 2005 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Aetna will offer a portfolio of voluntary dental plans to employers with more than 50 employees, the company has announced.

An Aetna news release said these voluntary plans are defined as benefits where employees pay at least 50% of the total premium. According to the announcement, the new options offer participation requirements and flexible underwriting guidelines. The plans available include the Dental Maintenance Organization (DMO), dental preferred provider organization and indemnity plans, the company said, with online tools and information to help members manage their accounts.

Effective May 1, Aetna Dental voluntary plans will offer flexible underwriting options and plan features including waiving the deductible for preventive care, installing a waiting period for major services such as a root canal or crown and orthodontia, and the option to shift endodontics and periodontics from basic services to major services.

“Research indicates that dental plans have the highest participation rates among voluntary products,” said Pat Farrell, head of Aetna Dental, in the news release. “By expanding the product options offered, we hope to increase the number of people who have access to dental benefits while creating plan options that are attractive to both employers and consumers.”

Information about the company is at www.aetna.com .

«