John Alden announces low-cost plan option

July 11, 2002
Effective dates for the recently introduced plan option will be August 1, 2002 and beyond; agents can obtain quotes for their clients beginning in early July 2002.

John Alden Life Insurance Company, a legal entity of Fortis Health, announces another low-cost plan option for John Alden Dental (JAD), its dental insurance product designed specifically for small businesses. Like John Alden's two existing plans, the new product is offered through North Star Marketing, the national sales and distribution division of John Alden Life Insurance Company. Effective dates for the recently introduced plan option will be August 1, 2002 and beyond; agents can obtain quotes for their clients beginning in early July 2002.

"This new plan option appeals to cost-conscious customers who may not require more comprehensive coverage," says Kerri Mansberg, Vice President-John Alden Product Management. "For example, families who have young children may not need coverage that includes major services like root canals. This plan suits their needs, with a lower deductible and premium."

Available to any small employer with at least three covered employees, the new product can be purchased as part of a complete employee benefit program or as a stand-alone product.

The new product version is available as both PPO and Indemnity options. Each is flexible, and the PPO Plan includes network and non-network coverage. Both PPO and Indemnity Plans offer 100 percent coverage on preventive services, after a $50 deductible, and a $1,000 benefit year maximum. Basic services in the PPO Plan are covered at 70 and 50 percent for network and non-network providers, respectively, after the deductible. With the Indemnity Plan, the new product offers 50 percent coverage of basic services after the deductible.

"This plan is ideal for employers who want to offer dental benefits while keeping costs down," explains Mansberg. "It will generally cost an average of $10-13 a month, which varies by market."

As of August 1, the new product will be available in 24 states -- Arkansas, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia and Wyoming. On September 1, the plan will be available in 12 additional states -- Alabama, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Washington -- and will be rolled out over the coming months in every state except Alaska, New York and Hawaii. Employers or agents interested in more information about John Alden Dental plans should contact a North Star Marketing Representative at 1-877-225-5077, or via email at [email protected] .