A healthy smile could equal a healthy body. Increasingly, researchers are citing the prevalence of gum disease as a major risk for serious medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease or stroke. It has also been linked with preterm labor in pregnant women. 2
Despite the data, it’s still hard to motivate people to sit in the dentist chair. AGB has rolled out the Aetna Dental/Medical IntegrationTM (DMI) program to help employers promote healthy habits while curtailing future health care expenses.
A powerful union
Medical coverage meets dental coverage to form a healthy bond. AGB weds real-time medical and dental claims together to get a more accurate view of a member’s total health. At-risk members who haven’t received preventive dental care will receive educational materials encouraging dental care as a preventive action for chronic diseases.
Medical coverage meets dental coverage to form a healthy bond. AGB weds real-time medical and dental claims together to get a more accurate view of a member’s total health. At-risk members who haven’t received preventive dental care will receive educational materials encouraging dental care as a preventive action for chronic diseases.
Proof you can sink your teeth into
Why is DMI a good idea? A joint study conducted by Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and Aetna Dental reviewed past claims and determined that periodontal care can have a positive effect on the cost of medical care. The study confirmed earlier treatment would result in lower medical costs for members with certain chronic diseases, such as diabetes, coronary artery disease or cerebrovascular disease.
Why is DMI a good idea? A joint study conducted by Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and Aetna Dental reviewed past claims and determined that periodontal care can have a positive effect on the cost of medical care. The study confirmed earlier treatment would result in lower medical costs for members with certain chronic diseases, such as diabetes, coronary artery disease or cerebrovascular disease.
Aetna Dental took these findings to the next level: piloting the DMI over a two-year period with 17 plan sponsors and their 500,000 plan members. The result? Aetna’s outreach and education motivated 63 percent of at-risk members who had not recently sought dental care to see their dentist.
Buy two, get one free.
Employers who offer AGB medical and dentals plans will automatically enjoy the DMI program complimentarily.
Members identified as at-risk will benefit from an additional dental cleaning or the administering of anti-microbial to fight gum disease, among other benefits.
Employers who offer AGB medical and dentals plans will automatically enjoy the DMI program complimentarily.
Members identified as at-risk will benefit from an additional dental cleaning or the administering of anti-microbial to fight gum disease, among other benefits.
