Build your benefits package with dental and vision care

It’s time to stop thinking of dental and vision as “extra” benefits.

Health insurance is the foundation of your employee benefit package. As a small business owner, you might be tempted to cut costs by eliminating or ruling out specialty benefits, like vision and dental. However, for whole health, these benefits are essential.   

According to a 2023 survey, 84% of employees say vision and dental benefits are important when selecting benefits. In fact, employees rank vision and dental benefits as the third most important benefit in making a job decision,¹ behind only health insurance and a retirement savings plan. 

Do small group Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans cover dental and vision?

Dental and vision care for adults is not considered an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act and is not required to be included in all health insurance plans. However, the ACA does mandate pediatric dental and vision coverage for children 19 years of age or younger enrolled in an ACA health plan.

Dental and vision care will boost your employees’ overall health

There’s growing evidence that regular dental and vision checkups have a direct impact on overall health:

• The health of the mouth, teeth and gums is closely related to overall health. Routine dental checkups prevent tartar and plaque buildup, cavities and gum disease. Dental care also prevents health risks associated with heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers and other conditions. 
• Regular vision exams can detect or prevent diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration, as well as diabetes, hypertension and other chronic conditions. 

A valuable investment for your employees

Along with health insurance coverage, vision and dental insurance provide a solid strategy to help employees prevent or manage chronic health conditions. Vision and dental support a broader effort to achieve a healthy, productive workforce:

• Comprehensive Coverage: By pairing dental and vision insurance with health insurance, you ensure your employees have access to whole person health coverage.
• Preventive Care: Dental and vision insurance encourage regular check-ups, including routine dental cleanings, oral exams, eye exams, and prescription eyewear. These are essential for your employees’ overall health. 
• Employee well-being and productivity: Healthy employees are more productive and engaged. Dental and vision problems, if left untreated, can lead to discomfort, reduced productivity, and absenteeism.
• Cost savings: Preventive care offered through dental and vision insurance can lead to cost savings. That’s because early detection and treatment of dental and vision issues are generally less expensive than treating advanced problems or complications. Employees are also more likely to seek timely care if it is financially accessible to them, reducing the likelihood of more extensive and costly treatments later.
• Competitive advantage: Offering a robust benefits package that includes dental and vision insurance can make you more attractive to prospective employees. In a competitive job market, comprehensive health benefits can be a deciding factor for talented individuals.
• Minimal cost. Offering dental and vision insurance can be a cost-effective option for employers, especially if employees share the cost of the premiums. Without straining your budget, you can give your employees cost-effective benefits they want the most.

Affordable dental plans will make your employees smile

With dental plans through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, your employees will receive full coverage for routine dental visits, check-ups and cleanings, and considerable savings on some of the most common dental services. With 90% of Kansas dentists participating, it’s easy to find a provider. Find more information about our dental plans at bcbsks.com/group-dental.

EyeMed^® vision insurance benefits focus on choice, convenience and savings

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is now offering vision insurance through EyeMed, America’s largest vision network². With EyeMed, your employees will have access to:

• A variety of independent eye doctors and national and regional retail providers
• Online retail option for buying glasses and contacts
• Additional discounts and member-only special offers³
• Member support, including welcome kits, member portal, savings summaries, cost estimates and more

Help your business stand out. Talk to a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas representative about adding dental and vision care options to your benefit package. 

Contact us at 866-584-0171, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or email your questions to [email protected].