Dental Plans More Complicated

On the dental side, there are five national carriers from which to choose—two of which have high and standard options—and three regional carriers. Premiums will vary according to the type of coverage elected and according to “rating areas” established by the plans. Most plans have five regional rating levels, although the rating of a given geographic area varies among plans; thus, an area could be one of the higher-cost areas under one plan and one of the lower-cost areas under another. The difference in premiums from high-rate areas to low-rate areas ranges up to about $6 per pay period. Biweekly premiums will range from $7.29 to $18.92 for self-only coverage, from $18.73 to $37.85 for self plus one, and from $28.09 to $56.77 for self plus family.