Delta Dental of Illinois enhances dental coverage for individuals with disabilities

This article was originally published in the Illinois Business Journal.

Supporting more inclusive access to oral care and wellness

Delta Dental of Illinois is now offering expanded dental coverage specifically designed to support individuals with disabilities through its Enhanced Benefits Program.

More than half (52.8%) of individuals in households experiencing disabilities are more frequently denied health care or oral health care due to discrimination.¹ To support individuals with disabilities, the Delta Dental of Illinois Enhanced Benefits Program included additional checkups, cleanings, and fluoride treatments. To ensure better outcomes, Delta Dental of Illinois is now expanding coverage to include general anesthesia, sedation and other medications and behavior management treatments often necessary to accommodate individuals with disabilities and eliminate barriers to care for individuals with physical, medical, developmental, and cognitive disabilities. This includes autism, Alzheimer’s disease, Down syndrome, spinal cord injuries, and other conditions requiring modifications.

“We recognize individuals with disabilities often face additional challenges in accessing quality health care,” says John Maples, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Illinois. “As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we work to ensure health equity in our product offerings. By expanding our Enhanced Benefits Program, we are taking a significant step toward ensuring individuals with disabilities receive the comprehensive and equitable care they deserve.”

In addition to expanding its Enhanced Benefits Program, Delta Dental of Illinois has made concerted inclusion efforts to drive better outcomes for its members and individuals in the community it serves. Recently, Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation donated $2 million to the University of Illinois Chicago to expand its Inclusive Care Clinic, featuring facilities like a sensory room and wheelchair lifts. Other initiatives have included sponsoring educational opportunities and offering continuing education to support dental professionals in treating patients with disabilities and other historically marginalized communities.

The Enhanced Benefits Program is included with Delta Dental of Illinois individual and family plans, and most group plans. Enrollment is done online, either by current members themselves or by dentists enrolling their patients.

If you need affordable dental coverage, information on Delta Dental of Illinois’ individual and family plans can be found at deltadentalil.com/individual-plans/.