Dental benefit plan approved

Press, 4 July 1978, Page 7

Dental benefit plan approved

Companies which are members of manufacturing associations can now offer their staff a new benefit, — one which will take much of the pain out of going to the dentist. The first dental health insurance scheme to be approved by the New Zealand Dental Association, “Dentalcare,” will come into operation this month. Under the plan substantial cash benefits will be available to help meet the cost of nearly all forms of dental treatment, says “Manpress,” the journal of the Manufacturers’ Federation. The plan has been endorsed by the federation and initially membership is being offered only on a group basis to employers who are members of manufacturers’ associations.

Annual premiums will be $lOO for each employee

and although at first glance these may seem high, the insurance brokers who designed the plan, say that the premium covers a wide range of both preventative and corrective treatments and is also tax deductible. A member will becomes eligible to claim benefits immediately after joining the plan. And, for any employee who joins at the first opportunity, all existing dental conditions will be accepted.

The maximum total benefit payable to an insured person will be $5OO in any year. The benefits will apply at two rates: 85 per cent of the fees charged for basic treaments, including examinations, x-rays, simple fillings and extraction; and 50 per cent on more advanced treatments.