 |
November 9, 2004
GUARDIAN INTRODUCES NEW PLANS AND KEY ENHANCEMENTS TO ITS GROUP DENTAL PRODUCT PORTFOLIO
Maximum Rollover Allows Customers to Save Up Dental Benefits For When Needed Most; DentalGuard Offers Two New Lower-Cost Plan Options; Monthly Switch Option Now Offered in California
New York, November 9, 2004— The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian) today announced the introduction of new plans and key enhancements to its current Group Dental product portfolio including two new DentalGuard plans, a Maximum Rollover feature and a Monthly Switch option. All of the enhancements provide greater flexibility in plan design and DentalGuard Basic and Basic Plus provide lower cost options for businesses that are struggling to provide quality health insurance benefits to their employees as the cost of healthcare continues to rise. Maximum Rollover, DentalGuard Basic and Basic Plus have been rolled out nationally. Currently, Monthly Switch is available in California with future market rollouts being evaluated.
"As medical costs continue to rise, employers should be able to provide their employees with multiple options for affordable benefits and greater flexibility and control," said Rich White, Senior Vice President, Guardian, Group Insurance. "More than half of all employers in the U.S. offer dental coverage, and Guardian is providing many ways for them to continue meeting all of their employees' dental needs."
The Maximum Rollover option allows DentalGuard members to roll over a portion of their unused annual maximum into a personal Maximum Rollover Account (MRA), in case the need for more extensive dental care arises in the future.
DentalGuard Basic Plus and Basic were created for those companies that need lower-cost dental coverage, as an alternative to Guardian's rich DentalGuard plan. Business owners can now choose from the flagship, traditional DentalGuard plan, DentalGuard Basic Plus, which is 10% less expensive than the cost of the traditional DentalGuard plan, DentalGuard Basic, which averages 20% less than the traditional DentalGuard plan, or customize their plans by selecting from a wide range of options.
Guardian's new Monthly Switch option is currently available in the California market. Unlike traditional dual choice plans which allow only annual election changes, Guardian's new plan enables employees to switch between a PPO and a DHMO plan every month.* Monthly Switch makes it possible for employers to provide their workforce with added control; employees can select lower out-of-pocket costs of the DHMO plan, but can switch to the PPO plan if and when they desire more flexibility in choosing a dentist.
"Guardian created these offerings to meet a wide variety of our customer's needs and demands, said Stu Shaw, Vice President, Group Products, Guardian. "They offer exceptional flexibility, competitive rates, and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to provide the highest quality of service to our customers."
Maximum Rollover, DentalGuard Basic and Basic Plus are available for 10+ cases with effective or renewal dates on or after January 1, 2005. For more information and to confirm availability of these plans, please contact your local Guardian Group Representative or log on to http://www.guardianlife.com/home/get_quotes_and_product_info.html
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, 2003, Guardian and its subsidiaries had $37.2 billion in assets. With more than 5,000 employees, over 2,800 financial representatives and nearly 100 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 on Guardian can be obtained at: www.guardianlife.com.
| |
