Dental insurance in Illinois seems to be a benefit that is becoming more and more valuable to employees. While dental coverage is not as expected as medical insurance or vacation days, many employees factor in Illinois dental insurance benefits when determining the value of a place of employment.

When exploring dental plans in Illinois for your employees, keep the following in mind:

1. Ask current employees how important dental coverage is to them and how much they would be willing to pay out-of-pocket for it.

2. Talk to your company’s current medical insurance provider. They may be able to cut you a deal if you add dental coverage in Illinois to your current plan.

3. Similar to medical plans, dental plans in Illinois are available as HMOs and PPOs, among other options. Learn the difference before deciding between Illinois dental insurers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Talk to your current medical insurance provider

Your first stop for dental insurance in Illinois should be your company's current health insurance provider. If that company can't provide the dental insurance coverage in Illinois that you're looking for, explore some of the other large insurance companies that can offer everything you need under one insurance umbrella.

I recommend: Big-name providers like UnitedHealthcare and BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois offer Illinois dental insurance as well as a variety of medical plans.

Check out companies who focus on dental coverage in Illinois

Another option is to explore dental insurance companies in Illinois that focus strictly on dental coverage.

I recommend: Olympia Dental specializes in just dental insurance in IL and other states, with several plan options to help you keep costs down. Olympia also offers orthodontic coverage.

Weigh the benefits of HMOs vs. PPOs

It can be difficult to determine if the flexibility offered by HMOs, indemnity plans and PPO dental insurance. Illinois has an abundance of dental insurers and plans, so be sure to take a close look at just what you're getting out of the more expensive plan. Again, ask employees what they want and expect out of dental insurance in Illinois.

I recommend: DentalPlans.com allows you to search a variety of providers of dental insurance in IL, such as Aetna and GE, to help you decide between plan options.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Dental coverage in Illinois will typically cost around $1,000 a month per employee, with employers covering between 25% and 50% of the monthly dental insurance premiums.
• •  Consider just offering dental coverage in Illinois to employees - not their families. This can keep costs down while still providing an extra benefit.