COLLINS-AKAKA LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE DENTAL & VISION BENEFITS FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES & RETIREES PASSES FINAL CONGRESSIONAL HURDLE

Washington, DC – The House today approved legislation written by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Daniel Akaka (D-HI) that gives Federal employees, retirees, and their families greater access to comprehensive dental and vision insurance coverage. The Collins-Akaka Federal Employee Dental and Vision Benefits Enhancement Act establishes a voluntary program under which Federal employees and annuitants may purchase dental and vision coverage. The successful House vote today represents final Congressional approval of the bill, which will now be sent to the President for his approval.

"The Federal Government's most important asset is its human capital," said Senator Collins. "Federal employees need and deserve increased access to dental and vision benefits. Improved access to dental and vision care is an essential component of any comprehensive health care plan."

The current health benefits program for Federal employees provides reimbursement for only a small fraction of dental care and no reimbursement for the cost of eye exams or eyewear. The Collins-Akaka legislation creates a voluntary benefit program that leverages the purchasing power of the Federal Government, combined with market-driven competition, to provide Federal employees and retirees with access to more comprehensive dental and vision coverage at no cost to the Federal Government. Federal employees wanting to participate would be responsible for 100 percent of the premium cost but would benefit from group rates. The dental and vision benefit program would be modeled after the Federal Employees Long-Term Care Insurance Program.

"This legislation helps federal employees take better care of themselves In addition, the opportunity for employees to purchase enhanced dental and vision coverage will help the government with its ongoing efforts to recruit and retain a highly qualified workforce," said Senator Collins.

Senator Collins pointed out that 48 State Governments offer or provide access to dental benefit plans to their employees. Surveys have also indicated that 95 percent of employers with 500 or more employees provide dental insurance to their workers. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that for every dollar spent on dental disease prevention, four dollars is saved in subsequent treatment costs.

The Collins-Akaka legislation is cosponsored by Senators George Allen (R-VA), Rick Santorum (R-PA), Joseph Lieberman (D-CT), George Voinovich (R-OH). It is supported by the American Federation of Government Employees, the National Treasury Employees Union, the National Association of Dental Plans, American Dental Hygenists Association, and the American Optometric Association.

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