Insider Update

As people age, they usually need more support to maintain their oral and vision health. It’s an opportunity that employers may not think about, even as their Gen X employees approach their 60s and more seniors are staying in the workforce. For example:

Paying attention to oral and vision health has a positive impact on a person’s overall health too. During dental exams, dentists can spot early signs of diabetes, vitamin deficiencies and even osteoporosis. Eye doctors can find evidence of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes during an eye exam.
 

Dental and vision care: a necessity

Offering dental and vision benefits helps recruit and retain valuable talent with decades of experience. Two out of three job candidates say an employer's package of benefits and perks is the most influential factor in their decision to accept a job offer. Three out of every four employers say dental and vision insurance are benefits their employees will be interested in over the next five years.¹
 

How Delta Dental supports healthy aging

Delta Dental’s group plans generally pay for dental exams, cleanings and X-rays at 100% if members visit an in-network provider. Members also pay up to 40% less out of their pockets for procedures through our negotiated network discounts.² And if they have insurance, they’re more likely to go to the dentist.

Employers can choose from PPO coverage or an DHMO-type plan:

• Delta Dental PPO™: As people get older, they often find that familiarity with their dentists and medical doctors provides a sense of security. Delta Dental's PPO plans allow members to visit any licensed dentist they choose, although they will save the most with an in-network provider.


  
  Groups can also add SmileWay® Wellness Benefits to their PPO plan. These benefits provide expanded coverage for people with certain chronic conditions that might come with age, including heart disease and Parkinson’s disease.

  
  
• DeltaCare® USA offers fixed copayment plans that offer low-cost preventive dental care and coverage for services that are especially important as we age. These include services such as crowns, dentures and implants (which are available on select plans).

With DeltaVision®, employers can pair vision with dental in one easy invoice. We’ve partnered with VSP, a leader in the vision industry, to provide a vast national network and outstanding customer service. Our DeltaVision plans also cover annual exams and prescription eyeware and offer additional benefits for members with chronic conditions, which can be beneficial to enrollees as they age.

For people who are nearing retirement, Delta Dental offers individual and family dental plans once they leave the workforce. Medicare usually doesn’t cover routine dental care, so it’s important to have that coverage in place to prevent more serious problems before they arise. See more about our individual dental plans for retirees.
 

Oral and vision health are part of overall health

Remind your clients that healthy aging isn’t just about yearly checkups with a doctor. With Delta Dental, employers can make sure they have healthy and happy employees of all ages at their company.