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HSS approves Alternative 1 for retiree Delta Dental: diagnostic and preventive services exempted from annual maximum
Summary
After a 20%‑response retiree survey and public comment, the HSS board adopted Alternative 1 for retiree Delta Dental (waiving diagnostic/preventive services from the $1,000 annual maximum) with a small premium increase to preserve two annual cleanings and improve preventive access.
The Health Service System board voted to adopt Alternative 1 for the 2015 retiree Delta Dental plan, which waives diagnostic and preventive services (cleanings, exams and related x‑rays) from the $1,000 annual maximum. Staff presented survey results showing mixed preferences across retirees; 33% favored no change while others supported modest changes or aligning retiree maximums with active members.
Lisa Gottby, HSS chief operating officer, summarized the survey of 26,200 retirees and surviving spouses that produced 5,320 responses (about 20%): respondents were split among several options, and many emphasized continuity with current dentists and affordability. An Aon Hewitt pricing analysis showed the diagnostic/preventive waiver would add roughly $5 to the monthly single premium (presentation decks included both the quoted rates and a previously announced 7.29% figure that Delta said it would honor).
Public commentators representing retiree groups urged a plan that preserves cleanings and preventive care to avoid higher downstream oral‑health costs; retirees and active members expressed concerns that raising the maximum would drive low‑income retirees out of the plan. After discussion, the board moved to adopt Alternative 1 and recorded a unanimous vote.
What the change does: under Alternative 1 diagnostic and preventive services no longer count against the annual $1,000 cap, effectively providing $200–$300 of additional annual preventive value for many enrollees while keeping the plan's $1,000 cap for other services. Staff will implement the plan for 2015 and update enrollment materials to explain changes and preserve continuity where possible.
Ending: The board instructed staff to publish the new plan design and premium information in open‑enrollment materials and to monitor enrollment and opt‑out rates after the change.
