MILWAUKEE, April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- John Alden Life Insurance Company, a
legal entity of Fortis Health, announced the availability of its dental
insurance product -- John Alden Dental -- to small business owners in ten
additional states.
Now available in 45 states, John Alden Dental was introduced in September
2001 and is designed especially for small businesses owners and their
employees. "Many employers demand the convenience of getting their medical
and dental insurance through the same carrier," says Kerri Mansberg, vice
president, John Alden Product Management. "We're pleased to offer this
comprehensive product as a complement to our medical coverage."
John Alden Dental is available to any small employer with at least three
covered employees and can be purchased as part of a complete employee benefit
program or as a stand-alone product. Beginning April 15, agents can obtain
quotes for John Alden Dental for policies effective June 1 in the following
additional states: Illinois, Washington, Missouri, Kansas, Indiana, North
Carolina, and Maryland.
A variety of choices
The new dental product will offer employers the choice of PPO Plans or
Indemnity Plans. Employers with five or more covered employees can opt for a
combination of both with Employee Choice, which gives employees the ability to
choose either a PPO or Indemnity Plan.
Both PPO Plans and Indemnity Plans offer flexibility, a wide range of
coverage levels and optional benefits. For example, both plans include
100-percent coverage of preventive care. Small businesses with at least ten
covered employees can also select optional orthodontia benefits for dependent
children.
In addition, both plans offer the choice of high and low options. The
high option provides a $2,000 maximum benefit per year and pays a higher
percentage of basic or major services after deductible. The low option
carries a maximum benefit of $1,000 per year and pays a slightly lower
percentage of basic or major services after deductible. "The low option is
for those who still want a quality plan but want to keep costs down by
assuming a slightly higher deductible and lower maximum benefit per year,"
explains Mansberg.
PPO Plans
PPO Plans provide maximum coverage, with negotiated discounts for services
provided by John Alden Dental network providers. These providers are part of
the Dental Health Alliance (DHA), a nationwide group of over 20,000 dental
professionals. "People who choose to use DHA providers will receive discounts
even for services over the plan maximum or those that are not covered by the
plan, such as whitening," explains Mansberg.
Under PPO Plans, employees can opt to use non-network providers and
receive slightly lower coverage amounts. For example, fillings provided
within the network are 90-percent covered, while fillings provided outside the
network are 70-percent covered.
Indemnity Plans
Indemnity Plans give employees the freedom to use any dentist, offering
the same benefit for network and non-network providers. These plans provide
an alternative for employees who already have a dentist or who live outside
the network area. Plus, employees who use network providers can still benefit
from DHA discounts, resulting in lower out-of-pocket expenses.
To promote the new dental product, North Star Marketing is offering
special incentives to agents, including a contest with prizes and cash bonuses
where permitted. In addition, employers who wish to transfer their business
from another carrier to John Alden Dental will get credit at no additional
charge. For questions about availability in specific states -- including PPO
availability -- and for more information about John Alden Dental, employers or
agents may contact a North Star Marketing Representative toll-free at
1-877-225-5077 or via email at dental@nstarmarketing.com.
John Alden Dental is offered through North Star Marketing, the national
sales and distribution division of John Alden Life Insurance Company.
Effective dates of John Alden Dental began November 1, 2001, in the original
20 states.
About John Alden and Fortis Health:
Fortis Health ( http://www.fortishealth.com ) is committed to helping
Americans meet their health insurance needs. In business since 1892, the
company is a leader in the Individual Medical, Small Group, Short-Term and
Student Health insurance markets. Fortis Health provides coverage for more
than one million people nationwide. Its products are underwritten and issued
by Fortis Insurance Company, John Alden Life Insurance Company and Fortis
Benefits Insurance Company. Fortis Health is headquartered in Milwaukee,
Wis., and has operations offices in Minnesota, Florida, Idaho and Ohio.
Fortis Health is part of Fortis, Inc., a financial services company that,
through its operating companies and affiliates, has built leadership positions
in a number of specialty insurance market segments. Fortis, Inc. is part of
Fortis, a financial services provider active in the fields of insurance,
banking and investment. As of second quarter, 2001, Fortis had total assets
in excess of $400 billion. Fortis ranks 31st based on assets and 73rd based
on revenues on the Fortune 'Global 500' and 42nd based on revenues on the
Forbes 'International 500' list (July 23, 2001).
Members of the media interested in more information or an interview may
contact Michelle Love-Johnson at 262-523-3740 or michelle@seroka.com .
Information about John Alden products and services can be found at
http://www.nstarmarketing.com .
SOURCE Fortis Health
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Related links:
http://www.fortishealth.com
CONTACT:
Michelle Love-Johnson for Fortis Health,
+1-262-523-3740, michelle@seroka.com
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