Effective July 1st, 2005, the LIUFF has transferred our Dental coverage to from Horizon Dental Insurance to Aetna.  There were several reasons for this switch:

• Aetna provided the opportunity for domestic partner and full family coverage.
• Aetna's network consists of 11,232 providers at 5,665 locations whereas Horizon's network consists of 8,955 providers and 7,390 locations.
• The individual rate from Aetna is comparable to that of Horizon and will not necessitate an increase in full dues.

On May 17th, 2006, the Executive Committe unanimously decided to renew our dental insurance with Aetna.  As expected, rates will increase.  The exact percentage was by 7.33%. The increase would have been greater, but the Executive Committee decided on an option which woudl change out-of-network coinsurance payments in order to manage the increase.  Changes are as follows:

Also, under the new plan, the $5 copayment for the DMO has been removed.

In addition, Aetna offers a DMO plan with significantly reduced copayments and charges for procedures.  Uniquely, Aetna allows participants to switch between the PPO and the DMO on a monthly basis.

If you wish to enroll in the dental plan for the first time, or switch to the DMO, please print out the enrollment form, available through the link on the upper tool-bar, and return it to :

As in the past year, anyone on "Single +1" or "Family" coverage will be billed biannually for the difference between the single coverage rate (which is included in dues) and the enhanced coverage.  Since we will have enhanced coverage for a full year, these payments will be due every six months.  Notifications will be sent through the mail.

Aetna will honor Horizon's deductible for 2005.  However, you may have to provide proof.  If you filed any claims with Horizon, you received an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) which stated that you have met your deductible.  A copy of this may be requested by Aetna. If you do not have a copy, Horizon will provide you with one upon your request.