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July 11, 2005
Guardian Adds Implants to Roster of Dental Benefits
Qualified Planholders Gain Access to Advances in Dentistry
For product related inquiries, please call: 1-888-278-4542
NEW YORK, N.Y., July 11, 2005 — The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian) today announced the addition of dental implants to all new business DentalGuard plans. Dental implants have become increasingly popular since the American Dental Association endorsed them in 1986. The dental community often views dental implants as the treatment of choice because they generally last longer than conventional bridges. Also, implants do not require preparation and restoration of otherwise healthy adjacent teeth for support. As the success rate with implants improves, there is an increasing demand for this benefit.
"Offering dental implants to our customers is just one more way we are listening to, and meeting the needs of our members," said Rich White, Senior Vice President, Guardian, Group Insurance. "This benefit, added to our existing roster of plans and extensive and ever-growing network of dentists, is the reason employers choose us and stay with us."
Guardian understands that dental implants can be an expensive procedure. Guardian members can save money by using a DentalGuard Preferred PPO dentist. When comparing the nationwide average costs for a dental implant with abutment (a component used to connect the implant to the crown) and crown, Guardian's PPO fee schedule amount is 40 percent less than the 90th percentile of usual, customary and reasonable (UCR) and 16 percent less than the average cost of an implant.
"Our research indicated that no other major provider was offering this kind of benefit, despite the fact that there was growth of consumer demand for it, said Stu Shaw, Vice President, Group Products, Guardian. "We try to be as responsive as possible to consumer needs — and as a result, we have become a market leader. Guardian is definitely focused on providing the best and widest array of products and services possible. Benefits like dental implants are clearly making the difference."
Dental implants are covered as a major service on DentalGuard plans of at least 25 eligible (100 voluntary) employees with an effective date on or after June 6, 2005 in all participating areas.
About Guardian
Founded in 1860, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY (Guardian) is the fourth largest mutual life insurance company in the United States. As of December 31, 2004, Guardian and its subsidiaries had $39.5 billion in assets. With more than 5,000 employees and 2,900 financial representatives, as well as over 80 agencies nationwide, Guardian and its subsidiaries protect individuals, businesses and their employees with life, disability, health and dental insurance products, and offer 401(k), financial products and trust services. More information about Guardian can be obtained at: www.guardianlife.com.
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