MnSF members have frequently asked for a group dental plan sponsored by the Senior Federation for its members, and it will become a reality in January. A survey taken in 2006 showed a high degree of need for dental insurance among people over age 50, and a great deal of interest in having a long-standing, trusted community organization such as the Minnesota Senior Federation sponsoring it.

After requesting and reviewing proposals, the dental plan committee recommended and obtained the Boards of Directors' approval for a statewide dental program comprised of three plans, in collaboration with HealthPartners, a Minnesota non-profit health plan.

"HealthPartners has a solid history of providing Medicare products and services to the Minnesota senior population and has provided dental insurance for its group customers for many years. Their experience, great track record as a contributor in the community and large state-wide network of dentists makes them a great choice for the MnSF dental program," states Federation Board Member Susie Ragland.

This is a program for Minnesota Senior Federation members who reside in Minnesota. Here is a brief look at each of the three plans. Keep in mind that dental plans reimburse very few services at 100 percent. In fact, 50 percent coverage for crowns, bridges, dentures and the like, is the norm.

Most Economical Plan II - Major. This plan is intended for anyone who has preventive coverage through a health plan, so it doesn't cover routine checkups and cleanings. It does cover sealants, fillings, crowns, bridges and oral surgery. If your dentist is in-network, coverage ranges from 50 to 100 percent. Out-of-network, services are covered from 25 to 80 percent. Monthly premium for this plan with the large Open Access network is $21.88; using HealthPartners Dental Clinics, it's $16.83.

Preventive Focus Plan I - Maintenance. This preventive-focused plan covers check-ups and cleanings, plus most fillings. If your dentist is in-network, all preventive coverage is 100 percent, and most fillings are 80 percent. For out-of-network, preventive coverage is 80 percent and most fillings are 50 percent. For this plan with the large Open Access network, the monthly premium is $26.96. Using the HealthPartners Dental Clinics, it's $22.77.

Full Coverage Plan III - Comprehensive. Here, you'll receive all the services of the first two plans, like routine check-ups, cleanings, sealants, fillings, crowns, bridges and oral surgery. For in-network dentists, all preventive services are covered at 100 percent. Other services range from 50 to 80 percent. Out of network, coverage is from 25 to 80 percent. Monthly premium for this plan with the large Open Access network is $39.98. Using the HealthPartners Dental Clinics, the monthly premium is $32.32.

All three plans have an annual deductible of $50 for in-network dentists, and $75 for out-of-network dentists. They have an annual plan maximum paid of $1,250 for in-network dentists and $750 if your dentist is out of network.

"I'm excited to see this important program become a reality for our members," says Maggy Boardman, chair of the MnSF health programs committee.  "Members should be sure to act quickly, because the initial enrollment period ends on March 31, 2007." You'll be able to enroll in one of these new plans during the first quarter of 2007. Anyone can join the Senior Federation at any age, and enroll in the dental program as well as take advantage of other member benefits. Minnesota members will receive dental plan enrollment information and materials in the mail; or call HealthPartners at 952/883-5600 or 800/247-7015.