Small-Business Dental Insurance & Group Options

When running a small business, additional benefits like dental insurance can be extremely important to maintain and attract employees. Based on a survey conducted by NADP.org, about 93% of Americans with private coverage get their benefits through an employer or other group programs.

Dental benefits tend to have one of the strongest employee participation rates. According to research conducted by LIMRA Trends in Dental Insurance, published in May 2019, 68% of employees who were offered dental benefits by their employer enrolled.

• Tax credits are available: If your business gets insurance through the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP), you may be eligible for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. The credit applies if you have less than 25 full-time employees and pay average wages under the maximum income threshold. It credits 50% of the premiums your business has paid.
• Employees like working for companies that offer dental benefits: Dental benefits tend to have one of the strongest participation rates by employees. Attractive benefit packages help to attract and retain employees.
• Promotes a healthy workplace: Poor oral hygiene is a contributing factor to heart disease, infection, inflammation, diabetes, and osteoporosis to name a few. Offering employees access to oral care can help employees miss less work and feel better because they have better health.
• Benefits vary based on the type of plan purchased by the company: Depending on the specific policy, employer-provided dental insurance might cover you alone or you and your immediate family. Deductibles, Coinsurance, annual limits, and restrictions may vary.
• Dental insurance tied to your job is only active if you’re employed: Unfortunately, if you lose your job, you’ll also lose your dental coverage. Occasionally, it’s offered with a Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) severance package and depends on the number of employees and company size.

Financial strength: The financial strength rating is based on the insurance company’s A.M. Best financial strength rating. A.M. Best is a credit rating agency specializing in the insurance industry, which rates an insurer’s ability to meet ongoing obligations.

Customer satisfaction: The customer satisfaction rating takes into account an insurer’s Better Business Bureau (BBB), National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), and Consumer Affairs ratings. These ratings are calculated using customer complaints and satisfaction ratings.

Value: The value rating calculates an insurer’s overall value based on monthly premium and out-of-pocket costs.

Coverage: The coverage rating considers the insurer’s availability of coverages, plan types, and network size.

With such a wide variety of small business dental insurance companies available, knowing which is the best requires some consideration and comparison. Consider ratings, value, customer service, claims history, and provider network size. Group dental will offer more coverage for lower cost and little to no waiting periods.

These are your options for providing affordable small-business group dental insurance:

• SHOP: SHOP was created in conjunction with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to allow small businesses, usually with one to 50 employees, to search for and purchase affordable small business group health insurance plans online. SHOP plans are generally the only way small-business owners can claim the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.
• An agent or a broker:Captive agents or brokers can only sell for one insurance carrier while independent agents or brokers can sell for multiple insurance carriers. Choosing an independent agent will likely give you more insurance plan options as they can provide quotes from multiple providers.
• An insurance carrier:Purchasing group plans directly through an insurance carrier cuts out the go-between. Employers can usually search for and purchase health insurance from a carrier’s website.
• Health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs): HRAs aren’t traditional group health plans, but you can use them to help employees pay for medical expenses. The types of HRAs available depend on your company’s size and can be found through an agent, broker, or insurance carrier.

Established in 1853, Aetna is one of the oldest, leading diversified health insurance providers nationwide and has various employer plans. Aetna offers flexible, integrated, and affordable small-business group dental insurance plans, including dental maintenance organization (DMO), preferred provider organization (PPO), PPO MAX, Freedom of Choice DMO PPO, and dental indemnity.

Is Aetna a Good Small-Business Dental Insurance Provider?

What do Aetna Small-Business Dental Insurance Plans Cover?

Aetna offers several dental insurance options, including:

• DMO: Dental coverage on budget. Primary Care Dentist selection required. Referrals needed for specialists but not orthodontists. There are no deductibles or yearly dollar limits.
• PPO: Any dentist can be chosen whether in or out of network. However, with an in-network dentist, your rates will be lower. Referrals are usually not required. There are deductibles and yearly dollar limits.
• PPO MAX: Very much like the PPO with a broader network and flexibility.  Typically has a higher premium.
• Freedom Choice DMO PPO: Members can switch between two plans with two networks. This plan fits changing needs with one price. It is a hybrid dental that combines the DMO and PPO features in one plan with the ability to change between these features from month to month.

Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how we rated Aetna.

Formed in 2004, Anthem provides numerous health maintenance organizations (HMOs), PPOs, and high-deductible health plans for small businesses with two to 50 employees and large businesses with 51 or more employees. It has one of the largest provider networks in the country. Businesses can combine many medical plans and dental plans.

Is Anthem a Good Small-Business Dental Insurance Provider?

What do Anthem Small-Business Dental Insurance Plans Cover?

Anthem offers several dental insurance options, including:

• PPO: Any dentist can be chosen whether in or out of network. However, with an in-network dentist, your rates will be lower. Referrals are usually not required. There are deductibles and yearly dollar limits.
• Ortho@Home: Covers home orthodontic aligners.

Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how we rated Anthem.

Since 1929  Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) has provided diverse quality care. It offers plans in all 50 states. BCBS has a large national network providing coverage in many divisions, including group dental. It also has a federal employee division.

Is BCBS a Good Small-Business Dental Insurance Provider?

What do BCBS Small-Business Dental Insurance Plans Cover?

BCBS offers several dental insurance options, including:

Because BCBS has such a vast network of group options they vary by state or federal employee division. The most predominant plan option is the PPO.

• PPO: Any dentist can be chosen whether in or out of network. However, with an in-network dentist, your rates will be lower. Referrals are usually not required. There will be deductibles and yearly dollar limits.
• High option: More coverage in and out of the network. Higher annual max to unlimited max.
• Standard option: More basic coverage. You tend to pay more out of pocket in and out of the network. The annual max is usually much lower.

Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how we rated BCBS.

Established in 1981, Cigna offers dental insurance in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.  Known to be one of the fastest-growing national dental carriers, it services more than 18 million customers. Members have access to a network of more than 97,000 dentists.

Is Cigna a Good Small-Business Dental Insurance Provider?

What do Cigna Small-Business Dental Insurance Plans Cover?

Cigna offers several dental insurance options, including:

• Dental HMO (DHMO): Dental coverage on budget and has 40% lower premiums. Large network coverage includes implants, crowns, athletic mouth guards, and teeth whitening. It offers a Flex Advantage to change up plan options as you go.
• Dental PPO (DPPO): Any dentist can be chosen whether in or out of network. However, with an in-network dentist, your rates will be lower. Referrals are usually not required. This offers employees a good balance of cost and maximizes flexibility.
• Dental exclusive provider organization (DEPO):. In-network coverage only. Cost-saving features are available through calendar year maximum, deductibles, and or waiting  periods. No referrals are required
• Traditional: Indemnity style plan. Deductibles may apply and coinsurance may vary.  Extra discounts can be applied by utilizing Dental Network Savings Program.
• Plus Savings: Customers get access to dental services at discounted rates and pay directly to the dentist. This plan is a good option for employers to offer part-time, seasonal, or retired employees.
• Cigna Dental Oral Health Integration Program: Reimburses out-of-pocket costs for specific dental services used to treat gum disease and tooth decay. This program is limited to clients with certain medical conditions that are found to be associated with gum disease, such as stroke, heart disease, or diabetes.

Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how we rated Cigna.

Boasted to be one of the largest dental insurers in the U.S., Delta Dental and its 39 independent companies offer comprehensive dental coverage in all states, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories. With more than 80 million subscribers, Delta Dental offers a broad range of preventive services and a large network of providers.

Is Delta Dental a Good Small-Business Dental Insurance Provider?

What do Delta Dental Small-Business Dental Insurance Plans Cover?

Delta Dental offers several dental insurance options, including:

• DeltaCare USA: Dental coverage on budget. Utilized much like an HMO plan in that you must see a primary care dentist. Predictable and more cost managed. Typically has predefined copays that apply. This plan covers 300-plus procedures, including no or low copayments for preventive care. Plus, there are no annual deductibles, waiting periods, or maximums to worry about.
• PPO: Any dentist can be chosen whether in or out of network. However, with an in-network dentist, your rates will be lower. Referrals are usually not required as 80% of practicing dentists are in the network. Boasts that its networks can deliver the most value through a combination of network size, utilization, and discounts. Waiting periods may apply.

Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how we rated Delta Dental.

Founded in 1961, Humana offers coverage in all 50 states, giving members access to more than 270,000 nationwide networks of providers. However, depending on the plan you choose, you may not be covered for certain major dental services, such as root canals, dentures, crowns, and orthodontic services. This company is unique in that it is one of few that offer 100% preventive cleanings three times per plan year.

Is Humana a Good Small-Business Dental Insurance Provider?

What do Humana Small Business Dental Insurance Plans Cover?

Humana offers several dental insurance options, including:

• Preventative Plus: Great for employers who have never offered dental plans. Low cost with preventive and basic services covered. Offers a unique three times per plan year cleanings. The plan will cover a percentage of commonly used services.
• PPO: Any dentist can be chosen whether in or out of network. However, with an in-network dentist, your rates will be lower. Referrals are usually not required. Preventive, basic, and major coverage offered.
• Traditional Preferred: Flexibility to see any dentist. Very much like the PPO plan with slightly fewer coverage percentages toward dental work. Inlays and onlays aren’t covered.

Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how we rated Humana.

Founded in 1860, Guardian has evolved into a broad market of products for both individuals and groups. In 1957, they entered the employee benefits market with a focus on policyholders’ needs. Guardian has a strong network of more than 120,000 dentists nationwide. Boasting a 99.7% claims accuracy rate makes Guardian top in claims payments and member satisfaction.

Is Guardian Dental a Good Small-Business Dental Insurance Provider?

What do Guardian Small-Business Dental Insurance Plans Cover?

Guardian offers several dental insurance options, including:

• DHMO: Offered in select markets. Dental coverage on budget. Primary care dentist selection required. Referrals are needed for specialists.
• PPO: Any dentist can be chosen whether in or out of network however with in-network dentists. A maximum rollover is available for some plans. This helps carry over unused annual maximums each year so that benefits aren’t lost. There are two levels of PPO offered.
• Value: Lower premiums and fewer providers.
• Choice: Higher premiums with most savings with most providers.
• Administrative Services Only (ASO): Employers can offer members significant cost savings for the same products and dental network access by using their own funds to cover claims.
• College Tuition Benefit Program: Helps members pay for up to one year of college at more than 340 private colleges and universities nationwide. This is a unique value add-on benefit that employers can elect to offer.

Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how we rated Guardian.

Founded in 1977, UnitedHealthcare (UHC) offers dental insurance in every state, except New York. Plan availability varies by state, but many UHC plans cover preventive care, basic services, and major services. UnitedHealthcare offers a growing network of more than 100,000 providers. UHC offers an array of plans to cater to most budgets.

Is UnitedHealthcare a Good Small-Business Dental Insurance Provider?

What do UHC Small-Business Dental Insurance Plans Cover?

UHC offers several dental insurance options, including:

• DHMO: Dental coverage on budget. Priced typically 50% less than the PPO. Primary care dentist selection required. Referrals are needed for specialists. This plan has set copays with no deductible or annual maximum.
• PPO/Open Access: Any dentist can be chosen whether in or out of network. However, with in-network dentists, your rates will be lower. Referrals are usually not required. Claims are paid directly to in-network providers to elevate the member’s self-filling claims. Included is a Prenatal Dental Program
• Dental in-network only: Priced 25% less than the Open Access plans, these offer only in-network coverage for similar services.
• Value plan: Priced 50% less than PPO, this plan offers limited comprehensive services. Some discounts of 20% to 50% on services, such as crowns, filling, whitening, and orthodontia. Offers in-network coverage with some dental reward programs options.

Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how we rated UHC.

• Aetna Dental Coverage Through Work | Last accessed January 2022
• Anthem group | Last accessed January 2022
• BCBS Group Dental | Last accessed January 2022
• Cigna Group dental | Last accessed January 2022
• Delta Dental Group | Last accessed January 2022
• Guardian Life Group Dental | Last accessed January 2022
• Humana group dental | Last accessed January 2022
• LIMRA: Workplace Benefits | Last accessed January 2022
• NADP.org: Understanding Dental Benefits | Last accessed January 2022
• UHC group dental | Last accessed January 2022