How To Get the Dental Benefits Plan You Want

CONTACT: Lisa Mozloom Nicolle Ugarriza
Zynyx Marketing Communications (305) 672-4422

HOW TO GET THE DENTAL BENEFITS PLAN YOU WANT

CIGNA Dental Provides Tips for 50 Percent of Americans Without Dental Coverage

Fort Lauderdale, FL - Oct. 21, 1997 -- With dental costs rising at twice the rate of the consumer price index, taking care of those pearly whites can be expensive. An average dental visit, including a cleaning, costs a patient approximately $70 and with most Americans having less disposable income, many put off regular dental care.

Dental health care plans are easing the costs for consumers, but according to the National Association of Dental Plans, only about half the U.S. population is enrolled.

"Health benefits are critical to employees today. However, rising costs mean employers must be careful shoppers," said Aaron Groffman, Vice President of Marketing at CIGNA Dental. "Company benefits managers need to seek dental plans that cover pre-existing conditions, orthodontic work and preventive care. Enrolling in a comprehensive dental plan, like those offered by CIGNA Dental, is vital to avoiding expensive dental visits, long-term complications and even missed work days -- all of which are important to the employee and the company." In many companies, the benefits manager is the gatekeeper to quality dental health care access. Employees need to understand their right to discuss health care needs and desires with the benefits manager.

CIGNA Dental recognizes that approaching a company executive can be intimidating for many. These tips can make it easier:

-- Request to meet with the benefits manager during their "down time." Consider his or her schedule. What is their busiest time of day? Busiest time of year?
-- Perk the manager's ears by asking for a meeting to discuss "an issue that would benefit all employees and the company."
-- Block out a half-hour time slot so you and your manager don't feel rushed.
-- Be prepared! Call a company like CIGNA Dental for a packet of information on the types of plans offered. Know the plan and who the manager should call for more information.
-- Be armed with statistics. Inform the benefits manager that 32 million lost work days are logged each year due to dental emergencies.
-- Follow-up. Ask your benefits manager what follow-up steps should be taken. Is there anyone else with whom you should speak?
-- Say "Thanks." Write a short memo to the benefits manager to thank him or her for taking time to speak with you regarding dental coverage. Send copies to other company decision-makers.

CIGNA Dental, a 30-year veteran in the industry, is the dental care provider for over 12 million people nationwide who participate in the indemnity, PPO and HMO dental plans. For more information about CIGNA Dental, call 1-800-367-1037 or visit their web site at www.cigna.com/dental.

Editor's Note: When using the above tips, please credit CIGNA Dental.