Dental Plan FAQs
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How do the rates work on the Group insurance plans?
Can my spouse obtain separate coverage?
Why are all plans not available in all states?
How long does the application process take? When will my coverage become effective?
Do I have to take a medical exam, blood test, etc.?
Can coverage continue if I am out of the country?
Will preexisting conditions be covered?
Who are the current insurance carriers, and what are their ratings?
Who is Marsh U.S. Consumer, the Administrator of the Program?
Who recommends/approves benefit changes or rate changes?
Premium contributions for both the member and spouse are usually based on the member's age at last birthday. Premiums may be
periodically increased on Plans to reflect plan utilization and help ensure their financial stability. |
No, not under normal circumstances. A surviving spouse can, however, maintain coverage under most of the plans. |
Some of the plans in the group insurance program are not available in all states. There are a variety of reasons for this
situation to occur. The product may be prohibited in that state. The insurance carrier may be unable to or choose not to do
business in that state. The group policyholder's product, as designed, may not be permitted in that state. Please refer to the plan information sections for state availability for each insurance product. |
For some plans, coverage becomes effective within a few days of receiving your application. For others, the process is longer
because of required medical underwriting procedures. The "underwriting process" depends on many factors: the number of
persons to be insured, their ages, the amount of coverage for which you apply, your medical history and that of your family
members (if requesting dependent coverage), and the type of coverage requested. |
Again, this depends on the plan you are requesting, your age, the amount of coverage for which you apply, and your individual
medical history. |
Call the Administrator for more details as coverage varies depending on the plan. |
It depends on the exact nature of the condition and the coverage you select. As long as known medical history is documented
on the application, the insurance underwriters can evaluate the condition while assessing the overall insurability of you or
the family member for whom you're requesting coverage. For some plans, coverage could be issued as applied for (no
restrictions), or issued with certain conditions excluded. For some plans the coverage could also be denied. You should NEVER
discontinue existing insurance coverage until you have received and reviewed the Certificate(s) of Insurance issued through
the Program. |
This varies according to each plan. The Group Insurance Administrator tries
to get the best deal for our members, so the plans are underwritten by different
insurance companies. All of the companies enjoy very high ratings by A.M. Best
Company, which annually measures the financial strength of insurance companies.
Click
here for more information on this topic. |
Marsh U.S. Consumer is the company contracted to manage the Group
Insurance Program. Marsh U.S. Consumer is not affiliated with the
insurance companies that underwrite each plan. Click
here for more information on this topic. |
The insurance companies reserve the right to change rates. They usually report "plan experience" (the number and size of
claims made) twice a year and, if applicable, rate action recommendations. Using this information, the program Administrator
works with INFORMS to evaluate the recommendations and decide what, if any, action (i.e., a rate action, a change in
benefits, or even a change in insurance companies) is appropriate to maintain each plan's financial stability. INFORMS
ultimately approves any such action, and insured members are informed of their decision, prior to implementation. |