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MMSD recommends minor dental benefit changes as Delta rates rise about 6%
Summary
Staff recommended two largely cost-neutral dental changes (an evidence-based integrated-care benefit and x-ray coverage aligned to ADA guidance) and recommended budgeting about $3.8 million for the district dental contribution amid a projected 6% rate increase for 2026–27.
District benefits staff told the board that Delta Dental premiums are expected to rise about 6% for 2026–27 and that roughly 3,700—3,800 employees are enrolled in the district dental plans. Staff recommended two plan changes: add an evidence-based integrated-care benefit for people with certain chronic conditions and pregnancy, and reduce x-ray coverage to align with recent American Dental Association recommendations; staff said the two recommendations offset each other so the overall financial effect is essentially neutral.
"These two changes are about providing best practice in dental care," staff said, framing the change as clinically driven and intended to be cost-neutral overall.
The district—xpects to budget about $3.8 million for its dental contribution for 2026—27. Board members asked whether the district contribution percentage would change; staff said they were not recommending changes to contribution levels at this time but could model alternatives if the board requested them.
Board members also asked about how many employees have both dental and health coverage and about specialty benefits (orthodontia); staff said a small number of employees take dental only and that the district—overs orthodontia at high levels for adults as a differentiator in the plan design.
Next steps: staff will continue monitoring dental reserves and can produce modeling of different employer/employee contribution scenarios if the board requests it.
