MetLife, a provider of dental plan administration for about 20 million
people, today announced that it will be updating its impacted dental
plans to comply with the requirements of the Patient Protection &
Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Starting January 1, 2014, the ACA imposes new requirements on certain
health benefits for most small business employers. For these businesses,
medical carriers will be required to offer a medical plan consisting of
ten essential health benefits (EHB), including pediatric dental and
vision coverage for children up to age 19. In order to assist its
clients in complying with the ACA, MetLife will be adding pediatric
dental benefits that meet these EHB requirements to existing dental
benefit plans, in the states where MetLife is targeting on or off
marketplace participation. These changes will be effective January 1,
2014 for groups with 50 or fewer employees. MetLife also plans to offer
these EHB benefits to small groups in about 20 states via the public
marketplaces.
For those target states, businesses that purchase their dental coverage
from a standalone carrier will not need to change the way they purchase
coverage, as the law also allows for the pediatric dental EHB to be
provided by a standalone dental plan.
“Small businesses can address the ACA’s requirements by choosing a fully
insured dental plan from a standalone dental carrier,” says Christen
White, vice president, Group Dental and Vision at MetLife. “MetLife is
committed to helping its clients comply with the ACA by adding the
pediatric dental benefit requirements to many of our dental benefit
plans.”
Selecting a fully insured dental benefit plan from a standalone dental
carrier may also provide tax benefits down the road. If a dental plan is
fully insured, it is always considered “standalone” and will not be
subject to the excise tax (Cadillac Tax) taking effect in 2018.
Self-insured dental plans offered with a medical plan may be subject to
the tax.
“In addition to the administrative benefits of selecting a stand-alone
dental carrier, small businesses also enjoy the expertise of these
insurers, including experience in claim handling and robust provider
networks,” states White. “Standalone plans also offer a broader
selection of plan designs to meet the varied needs of employees and
their families.”
MetLife, the largest administrator of dental benefit plans among all
single commercial carriers, has been providing dental benefits for
families for over 50 years. Employers and brokers seeking more
information about the ACA dental implications can visit
metlife.com/reform/businesses.
About MetLife
MetLife, Inc. is a leading global provider of insurance, annuities and
employee benefit programs, serving 90 million customers. Through its
subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife holds leading market positions in
the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle
East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.
Copyright Business Wire 2013