Dental Benefits Are Improving

Last year, the American Heart Association estimated the costs of cardiovascular disease and stroke at $403.1 billion. The American Diabetes Association estimated the cost for diabetes at $132 billion. Cumulative evidence has shown that chronic inflammatory periodontal disease, both gingivitis and periodontitis, are modifiable risk factors for both of these disease processes (Special Supplement to Grand Rounds in Oral-Systemic Medicine, February 2007.) Analysis of current research clearly indicates earlier dental care lowers the risk and severity of these conditions, thus lowering overall medical costs.

Insurance carriers understand this research. Modifications and improvements in coverage include:

• November 2005 Delta Dental of Massachusetts
• Single-tooth implants shown as a scientifically proven treatment
• July 2006 Cigna Dental
• Dental members enrolled in Cigna’s Healthcare Management Program for diabetes and cardiac care may receive 100 percent reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs associated with scaling and root planing (Author’s note: SRP archaic terminology - see below)
• January 2007 Aetna
• Enhanced benefits for pregnant women
• Enhanced benefits for diabetes and coronary artery disease/cerebrovascular disease
• January 2007 Delta Dental of Tennessee
• Diabetes: coverage for four prophylaxes or periodontal maintenance per year
• Pregnancy: coverage for four prophylaxes or periodontal maintenance per year
• Chronic renal failure: coverage for four prophylaxes or periodontal maintenance per year
• Chemotherapy, radiation, organ transplant, or stem cell transplant: coverage for enhanced preventive benefit; e.g., radiation therapy-xerostomia covered for two fluoride treatments per year

Full article: http://www.rdhmag.com/display_article/304254/56/none/none/Feat/Dental-Benefits-2007:-We-Often-Hear-What-They-Don’t-Sa