Delta Dental of Illinois Introduces Individual Dental Insurance

NAPERVILLE, Ill., June 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Illinois residents and their families now have access to the same comprehensive dental benefit programs Delta Dental of Illinois has offered to groups for 45 years. Previously, Delta Dental of Illinois coverage was only available through an employer-sponsored group dental benefit program.

Delta Dental of Illinois will offer three dental benefit plan options created specifically for individuals, couples and families without dental coverage or who don't have access to a dental plan that's right for them.

"Dental benefits help make dental care more affordable and accessible," said Bernie Glossy, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Illinois. "As a not-for-profit, Illinois-based company, we are committed to improving the health of Illinoisans. Our individual coverage gives consumers who don't have access to a group dental plan control over their oral health and their wallet -- with a choice of plans depending on their needs at affordable rates."

Delta Dental of Illinois individual plan options are based on the Delta Dental PPO(SM) network and offer Illinoisans a dental benefit program for as low as $15 per month for an individual. The three coverage options include:

• The Bronze Plan, a low-premium option with a low deductible that provides oral health preventive care with rich coverage for routine services, such as exams, cleanings and x-rays.
• The Silver Plan, a good option for oral health preventive care and coverage for major services, such as root canals, periodontal treatment, bridges, dentures and crowns.
• The Gold Plan, the most comprehensive option with richer coverage than the Silver Plan, lower deductibles and higher annual maximums.

Delta Dental of Illinois' Enhanced Benefits Program is included with the Silver and Gold Plans. The program offers additional coverage for individuals who have specific health conditions (including pregnancy, diabetes, high-risk cardiac conditions and suppressed immune systems) that can be positively affected by additional oral health care. The Bronze Plan offers additional general cleanings and fluoride treatment, where applicable.

"Dental benefits are about much more than just a pretty smile," added Glossy. "Oral health is closely linked to overall health. Preventive dental care, such as regular cleanings, is the most effective way to improve oral health. The fact is people with dental benefits are more likely to get the preventive dental care they need than people without benefits. That's why our affordable individual dental plan options are a great match for Illinoisans who want to keep their teeth -- and their wallet -- healthy."

Individuals can choose any licensed dentist, but claim payments are based on Delta Dental PPO allowed amounts. Individuals will pay the least out-of-pocket by using a Delta Dental PPO dentist. More than 5,000 dentist locations across the state participate in the Delta Dental PPO network. Individuals can locate a network dentist through the Dentist Search on the Delta Dental website at www.deltadentalil.com.

Coverage is available to Illinois residents only and can be purchased through an insurance broker or directly from Delta Dental of Illinois. For more information, go to Delta Dental of Illinois' individual product website at www.deltadentalil.me, send an email to [email protected], or call 1-877-824-2776, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday.

About Delta Dental of Illinois

Delta Dental is by far the largest and most experienced dental benefits carrier in the country, providing coverage for one-third of all Americans with dental insurance. Delta Dental of Illinois (DDIL) is a member of the Delta Dental Plans Association, and provides coverage to nearly two million people nationwide. DDIL is a not-for-profit dental service corporation that provides dental benefit programs to 4,800 employee groups throughout Illinois. DDIL is based in Naperville, Illinois and offers single-site administration and client services.

Contacts:
Ann Marie Walker, Delta Dental of Illinois
630-718-4739
[email protected]

Liz Brower, The Meyocks Group
515-238-4304
[email protected]

SOURCE Delta Dental of Illinois