Choosing a small business dental insurance plan can feel overwhelming for any business owner. Selecting the option that fits the needs of both the business and its employees involves careful consideration of various factors including costs, coverage details, and more.
We’re here to guide you through the essential factors to weigh when choosing a small business dental insurance plan. From understanding the needs of your employees to evaluating coverage options and costs, we’ll help you make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals and the health of your team.
How to choose a small business dental insurance plan in Hawaii
When selecting a dental insurance plan for your company, consider the following:
Learn about the needs of your employees
Understanding the unique dental care needs of your employees is the first step toward selecting the right small business dental insurance plan. Are your employees mostly young and healthy, or do they have varying dental needs? Be sure to consider factors such as age, family composition, and any existing dental issues that require attention.
Gathering insights from your employees through surveys or discussions can provide valuable information for the coverage options you should consider.
Consider the business budget
Cost is a critical aspect of any benefit offering for small businesses. Compare the premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance associated with each small business dental insurance plan. Consider how much your business is willing and able to contribute toward employee premiums and evaluate whether the costs align with your budget.
In most cases, employees and employers share the cost of plan premiums. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), “Most covered workers make a contribution toward the cost of the premium for their coverage. On average, covered workers contribute 17% of the premium for single coverage and 28% of the premium for family coverage…”
Note: The numbers listed above are meant to represent national averages in the United States. The percentages your business and your employees contribute may vary based on your specific needs.
Consider the cost to employees
In addition to the cost to the business, it’s important to consider the cost to your employees. Although preventive services like cleanings are usually fully covered, your employees may be responsible for a percentage of the costs of other procedures such as fillings. Familiarize yourself with co-payment costs and other out-of-pocket expenses before selecting a plan.
Understand coverage details and provider access
Not all dental insurance plans are created equally. Take time to get familiar with all the services covered under the plan. Small business dental insurance plans can range from basic to comprehensive coverage.
Basic dental plans generally include preventive care, such as dental exams and cleanings, and some restorative services. Comprehensive dental plans typically include preventive services, basic restorative care (fillings), and major services (root canals or crowns).
Access to providers should also be factored into selecting a small business dental insurance plan. Consider whether the plan’s network of dentists includes providers that are conveniently located for your employees.
Make enrollment simple
Once you’ve selected a dental insurance plan, communicate the details to your employees. Provide enrollment materials and facilitate the enrollment process. It may be a good idea to have a representative from the dental insurance company come in during the enrollment period to explain the benefits and ensure a smooth and efficient process.
Small business dental insurance plans are valuable
By assessing the dental care requirements of your employees, evaluating coverage options, and understanding costs, you can make a choice that aligns with your business goals while providing your team with the benefits they want.
At Hawaii Dental Service, we offer a variety of affordable small business dental insurance plans that are designed around the needs of your business. Click here for more information or contact our sales team.
Looking for information about the value of offering dental coverage? Check out “When is Dental Insurance Worth it?”.
