Dental, Vision Plans Also Affected

By Monica M. Walk

STATE DENTAL and vision plans, like medical plans (see article above), also will have associated cost changes.

MONTHLY DENTAL premiums (not changing this year) for employees are $11; the addition of one dependent increases the monthly premium to $17, while an employee with two or more dependents pays $19.50.

THE ANNUAL dental deductible increases from $125 to $150. The maximum annual in-network benefit remains at $2,500 and the annual maximum for in-network orthodontia remains $2,000. Benefits for out-of-network services have decreased by $500.

EMPLOYEE COSTS for vision eye exams, lenses, and standard frames have doubled from $10 to $20.

FOR COMPLETE details see http://www2.illinois.gov/cms/Employees/benefits/StateEmployee/Documents/QCHP_Changes.pdf.