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Board adds 'Smile Way' retiree dental benefit; Delta Dental holds 2019 premiums flat
Summary
The board accepted a recommendation to add Delta Dental’s Smile Way enhancement to the retiree dental PPO with no premium increase for 2019 and a rate guarantee through 2021; the motion passed unanimously.
The Health Service System Board voted unanimously on June 14 to adopt recommended 2019 retiree dental rates and to add the Smile Way benefit at no additional cost. Tom Ricks of Aon presented the recommendation and said Delta Dental agreed to hold 2019 premiums flat and guarantee those rates through 2021.
Sharon Stanek Lowe of Delta Dental said the company views the Smile Way partnership as a meaningful enhancement for retirees and confirmed Delta’s willingness to partner on follow‑up evaluation. Retiree advocates thanked the board for the benefit; Clara Zavonski (RECCSF, retired employees) and other public commenters said members will welcome the additional coverage and the board requested Delta and staff collaborate on evaluation metrics and outreach to retirees during open enrollment.
The board asked staff to work with Delta on follow‑up research into program effectiveness so the HSS can track use and outcomes. A motion to accept the retiree dental rates and the Smile Way enhancement was moved, seconded and approved unanimously.
