Dental insurance is one of the most important benefits for small businesses. However, providing dental coverage isn’t always financially feasible for many companies. The key is to find a plan that covers modern treatments while controlling costs. That means looking for a network that is accessible and evaluating the way the programs determine how much a service costs.
Preventive Care
Dental problems that go untreated can lead to additional health issues and significant medical costs. Dental insurance small business can help reduce these secondary health issues and keep employees healthy and productive. Healthy employees tend to be happier and more engaged at work. Employees with dental coverage are also less likely to use their group health insurance for other ailments, which can lower overall group health care costs. As a bonus, dental plans are often the most affordable part of an employee’s benefit package. This allows small businesses to offer a robust benefits package and compete for top talent in the marketplace. Traditional dental insurance offers many options, but each plan has its terms and conditions that must be carefully analyzed. Some of these terms include deductibles, coinsurance, and annual maximums. Routine cleanings and other preventive treatments typically aren’t subject to any deductible or copayment, while more complex procedures like fillings will likely require a deductible and coinsurance. Consider the number of participating dentists in a particular network when selecting a dental plan. You’ll also want to consider how much your business and employees pay per visit, how the project will handle out-of-network visits, and how discounts and other cost protections are applied to dental services.
Detecting Serious Health Problems
Dental insurance provides financial protection for employees who might otherwise not be able to afford necessary dental treatment. Employees pay a monthly premium and receive services based on the plan’s pricing, coverage limits, and other factors. Oral health problems that go untreated can lead to more serious medical issues, which are often more expensive than the original dental expense. This can be an issue for both the employee and employer as it leads to higher absenteeism in the workplace, not to mention high-cost medical claims on group health plans. To help small business owners control group health costs, offering dental insurance is a great way to encourage employees to stay healthy and avoid secondary issues resulting from poor oral maintenance.
Moreover, it can reduce the need for group health benefits and limit the impact on overall productivity. Dental plans are available to complement any group health or 401(k) plan. Some programs are designed to work alongside medical insurance and allow employees to choose the coverage that best suits their needs. However, it is important to find a standalone dental insurance plan to safeguard against the possibility of changes to medical plan policies, which can cause confusion and disrupt employee benefits. In addition, some programs have special features like max rollover that can save employees even more out-of-pocket costs.
Boosting Productivity
Employees suffering from tooth pain, gum disease, or other dental issues have difficulty concentrating on their work. This results in a loss of productivity for the business, which can cost tens or even hundreds of dollars per day. Dental insurance often helps employees get the care they need so they can return to the job focused and ready to work hard. Many traditional group dental insurance plans require employees to pay a premium, which includes a deductible and an annual maximum. These plans may also have coinsurance or other cost-sharing. These costs can add up quickly, especially if an employee frequently visits the dentist for ongoing treatment or a serious health issue. Offering group dental insurance can be a great way to attract and retain talented employees. While most small businesses can’t afford to offer traditional group dental insurance, some alternatives can help. Dental savings plans for groups are a great example. These non-insurance benefits allow employees to save money by paying a low annual fee to access a network of dentists who have agreed to offer discounts on dental services. These plans have no deductibles or annual limits to monitor, making them easier for small business owners to manage.
Retaining Employees
Dental benefits are one of the most popular and highly desired employee benefits. They are also known to help increase productivity. In addition, dental care can prevent serious health problems that can impact work performance and costs. Employees with dental insurance are more likely to see a dentist regularly and get the necessary treatment before it develops into a costly medical issue. It also allows them to avoid missing work due to dental problems. This can help the company maintain productivity levels and keep the payroll on schedule. The best dental insurance plan is the one that offers a good balance of cost and flexibility. For example, a Dental Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan lets employees choose any dentist and often does not require a deductible. It also usually has a maximum rollover option that helps to carry over any unused annual maximum. On the other hand, indemnity plans limit the number of choices and typically have a deductible and annual maximum. These plans are a good choice for small businesses that can afford to cover all or most of the costs.