Editor's Note: GIC retirees can join the plan during the annual enrollment period, which ends on May 7 this year. But those, who belonged to the retiree dental plan earlier but dropped their coverage later, cannot re-enroll.

According to the GIC, the monthly premium for the dental plan will be reduced from $34.63 to $29.99 for the individual and from $82.56 to $71.51 for the family, which represents a 13.4% decrease in rates. For now, the premium continues to be paid entirely by the retiree without any contribution by the state.

Since the plan's experience, over its first year and a half of operations, was better than expected, the annual maximum benefit has been increased from $750 to $850. In addition, the plan's reimbursement levels for covered services has been upped by an average of 6.8%, meaning that the cost to the retiree could possibly go down. If a retiree is treated by a dentist in the Altus network, that dentist has agreed to a reduced fixed rate, which can produce even greater savings.

"As we pointed out two years ago (May 2000 Voice), the Altus plan should be viewed as a positive first step," comments the Association's Insurance Coordinator Cheryl Stillman. "With these premium reductions and benefit enhancements, it appears the plan is moving in the right direction."

Currently, there are 4,500 enrollees in the plan, compared to 3,600 during its first year of operation. Approximately 1,000 dentists participate in the Altus statewide network, which is more than double the number since the plans inception.

Retirees, who are eligible to enroll, can contact Altus Dental directly at 1-800-722-1148 (or on the web) for more details.