Why Dental and Vision Insurance Matter
After health insurance, dental and vision coverage are consistently the two most requested employee benefits. According to SHRM research, 79% of employees say dental benefits are important to their job satisfaction, and 74% say the same about vision coverage. Yet many small businesses assume these benefits are too expensive to offer.
The reality is that dental and vision insurance are among the most affordable benefits available. Depending on how the plan is structured, employers may be able to offer these benefits with minimal or no direct cost.
Understanding Dental Insurance Plans
Most dental insurance plans are structured around three tiers of care:
Preventive Care (Tier 1)
Preventive services — routine cleanings, X-rays, and exams — are typically covered at 100% with no deductible. These services are the foundation of dental health and are designed to catch problems early before they become expensive.
Basic Restorative Care (Tier 2)
Basic restorative services — fillings, simple extractions, and periodontal treatment — are typically covered at 70–80% after the deductible is met.
Major Restorative Care (Tier 3)
Major services — crowns, bridges, root canals, and dentures — are typically covered at 50% after the deductible. Most plans also have an annual maximum benefit, commonly $1,000–$2,000 per person.
Types of Dental Plans
| Plan Type | Network Required? | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHMO | Yes | Lowest | Cost-conscious employees |
| DPPO | Preferred (flexible) | Moderate | Employees who want provider choice |
| Indemnity | No | Highest | Employees with specific dentists |
Understanding Vision Insurance Plans
Vision insurance plans typically cover:
- Annual eye exam: Usually covered at 100% or with a small copay ($10–$20)
- Frames: A fixed allowance (typically $130–$200) toward the purchase of frames
- Lenses: Standard single-vision, bifocal, and trifocal lenses are usually covered in full; progressive lenses may have an additional cost
- Contact lenses: An annual allowance (typically $130–$200) in lieu of glasses
Vision insurance is one of the highest-value benefits relative to its cost. Monthly premiums for employee-only vision coverage typically range from $5 to $15 per month.
Carriers Available in Massachusetts
Top dental and vision carriers available to Massachusetts employers through MedHealth include Delta Dental, Guardian, MetLife, VSP, EyeMed, and UnitedHealthcare. Each carrier offers different network sizes, benefit structures, and price points.
How to Add Dental and Vision to Your Benefits Package
Adding dental and vision coverage to your existing benefits package is straightforward. You can offer these benefits as employer-paid (you cover the full premium), employer-contributed (you cover a portion), or voluntary (employees pay the full premium through payroll deduction).
Most small businesses opt for a combination: employer-paid dental for employees, with voluntary dependent dental and voluntary vision available to all employees. This approach provides a meaningful benefit at a manageable cost.
How MedHealth Can Help
MedHealth Insurance Agency compares dental and vision plans from all major Massachusetts carriers — including Delta Dental, Guardian, MetLife, VSP, and EyeMed — to find the best combination of coverage and cost for your business. Our service is completely free.