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SFHSS approves small dental premium change, adds nitrous‑oxide and conscious‑sedation benefit
Summary
The San Francisco Health Service System board approved 2021 dental plan rates including a 0.6% increase for the Delta Dental active employee PPO that incorporates a $5,663,000 reserve buy‑down and a new nitrous‑oxide/non‑IV sedation benefit estimated to add ~$126,000 to 2021 claims.
The San Francisco Health Service System board on a unanimous vote approved the 2021 dental plan rates and administrative fees after a presentation from Aon actuary Mike Clark.
Aon recommended a 0.6% increase in total premiums for the Delta Dental active‑employee preferred provider organization (PPO). Clark told the board the recommendation includes application of one half of the plan’s rate‑stabilization reserve (a buy‑down of $5,663,000) and the addition of a nitrous‑oxide and non‑IV sedation benefit, which Aon estimated would add about $126,000 in aggregate claims in 2021 (roughly 0.3% of total premiums).
The presentation noted insured dental HMOs and retiree plans would see modest decreases for 2021 — Delta Care USA retiree PPO down about 1.75% and UnitedHealthcare Dental HMO down about 3% — driven partly by elimination of the federal Affordable Care Act insurer tax.
Commissioners asked specifically about clinical safety and monitoring for non‑IV sedation among older members. Commissioner Follinsbee said, “I do have a little bit of concern about non IV sedation in older individuals…[and] would like to hear from Delta Dental that the protocols include observation or some assessment of stability, fall risk, etc., on discharge.” Delta Dental’s representative responded that the procedures are already being performed in some offices and that the company will provide the board with protocol details and additional follow‑up information.
Public comment included a retiree, Richard Rossman, thanking Delta Dental for outreach and suggesting clearer plan materials to reduce confusion about which benefits are part of the Smile program versus preventive care.
The board approved the package and asked staff to follow up with additional design details for retiree HMOs and protocol documentation for the new sedation benefit. No further amendments were adopted and the motion passed unanimously.
