August 2017


Net Effective Discount Explained
In last month's Colorado Connection, we informed you that Ruark Consulting recently released the results of their annual independent study comparing dental claims data from Delta Dental and 14 other national companies offering dental insurance. The study revealed that Delta Dental leads the industry, both nationally as well as in Colorado, on effective discounts. But what exactly is an effective discount? This is a question you may be asking yourself or your clients may ask you. Check out this short video that explains net effective discount. 

If you have any further questions or would like more information on net effective discount, contact your account manager.

Right Start 4 Kids
Did you know that cavities are the most chronic childhood disease? Cavities are five times more common than asthma. Children with pain from tooth decay typically miss more school and have lower grades than their peers, not to mention the missed school and work hours. But cavities are nearly 100% preventable, and it's easy to protect your child's oral health and ensure better overall health.
 
That's why Delta Dental of Colorado is introducing RIGHT START 4 KIDS SM , an innovative plan design enhancement that removes most of the cost barriers to dental care by providing coverage for children up to their 13th birthday at 100%, with no deductible, when in-network providers are seen.* If an out-of-network provider is seen, the adult coinsurance levels will apply. Orthodontic services are available but are not eligible for the RS4K 100% coverage level.
 
We are making Right Start 4 Kids available to most small groups (2-100) who have a standard, not customized, plan, as of 1/1/18. Current groups will receive this benefit enhancement as part of their renewal. New small groups will have it as a standard part of their plan. If you have any questions about Right Start 4 Kids, please contact your account manager.
 
* Right Start 4 Kids is subject to limitations, exclusions, and annual maximum. 

Colorado Mission of Mercy Volunteer Opportunity
Did you know that Delta Dental of Colorado supports the Colorado Mission of Mercy (COMOM)? COMOM provides quality dental services, at no cost, to individuals of all ages who cannot afford or access dental care. It's a large-scale dental clinic that is held annually in a Colorado community.  This year, COMOM will be in Pueblo, Colorado, at the State Fair Grounds on October 13 and 14. They need volunteers from all walks of life; a dental background is not required. Delta Dental of Colorado's community benefit team will be there, and we'd love for you to be too.   If you would like to volunteer, please signup on COMOM's website.  
HEALTH CARE REFORM NEWS
6 largest health insurers report positive earnings despite ACA turmoil
Benefits Pro, August 6 , 2017
All six of the major health insurers topped Wall Street expectations in the second quarter as the industry distanced itself from the turmoil in Washington.

Employer-based health coverage likely to stay awhile
Associated Press, August 4, 2017
Get your insurance through your employer? The ongoing political turmoil around "Obamacare" all but guarantees you'll still be able to do that.

INDUSTRY NEWS
Large employers say health plans will cost more than $14,000 for an employee in 2018
The Washington Post, August 8, 2017
Large employers say the cost of health care plan will grow 5 percent next year, to an average cost of more than $14,000 per employee.

Many consumers pass up premium subsidies by buying off-exchange health plans
Modern Healthcare, August 7, 2017
For unknown reasons, a sizable number of Americans who qualify for premium subsidies are passing them up by buying health insurance outside the Affordable Care Act's insurance exchanges.

COLORADO NEWS
Closing the Gap
5280, August
2017
How Coloradans are increasing access to health care for the state's most vulnerable populations.

Nearly one in six children in Denver is obese, according to a new report
The Denver Post, August 3, 2017
Almost one out of every six children in Denver is obese, according to a new report.

COLORADO COMPANY NEWS
Denver employers need to engage sidelined youth, Chamber of Commerce panel urges
The Denver Post, August 8, 2017
Faced with one of the tightest labor markets in the country, business executives in metro Denver will need to get more creative and open-minded about how and whom they hire.

Colorado's Fortune 500 roster will shrink with CH2M, Level 3 deals
Denver Business Journal,  August 2, 2017
Today, Colorado is home to 10 companies on the Fortune 500 list. Soon, that number will drop to eight.

Delta Dental of Colorado
1-800-610-0201