Under the three year contract awarded to Altus Dental, headquartered in Providence, all GIC insured retirees and survivors will be eligible to enroll. Monthly premiums in the retiree pay-all plan will be $32 for individuals and $70 for families.

The new dental plan is the result of a feasibility study conducted by the GIC in 2000-2001. The results of the study were used to craft a dental plan that will best meet the needs of retirees, while remaining affordable.

"Our biggest challenge in this process was obtaining affordable coverage. Since retirees are paying 100% of the premium, the plan could not be too expensive," explains Association Insurance Coordinator Cheryl Stillman.

Unlike traditional medical insurance, dental coverage does not cover the entire cost of any given procedure. Rather, a certain fixed allowance is given for each service provided, up to the annual dollar maximum of $750 per person.

For instance, under the plan Altus will pay $340 towards a full crown, $42 towards a basic filling, and $32 for a cleaning. The retiree would pay the remaining balance. This is very similar to the plans now available to active employees, which carry a maximum annual benefit of $1000 per person.

Retirees will be given the opportunity to enroll in the plan during the annual GIC open enrollment period this spring. Existing retirees can only enroll in the plan during the annual open enrollment periods each spring.

Once enrolled, there is a six-month waiting period (standard in all dental plans) for any major dental work. Also, if a retiree withdraws from the plan, they will be permanently banned from obtaining dental coverage though the GIC.

"In a perfect world we would have hoped to have a less expensive plan with greater benefits. Given the circumstances, the plan offered by Altus is a good start," said Association President Ralph White. "They (Altus) are very eager to do business with our members and have already been in contact with our staff to form a good relationship. Over time, we will improve upon what we have been able to establish with this plan."

Members, who are insured through the state's GIC and are interested in further details on the dental plan, can contact Altus Dental directly at 1-877-223-0588.