MOUNT VERNON — After reviewing information shared by Frank Flaugher of Flaugher Insurance Services, the Knox County Commissioners elected to switch dental coverage for county employees to Delta Dental Plan. Sept. 1 is the target date for the change.
Flaugher told the commissioners on Thursday that dental plans using the UCR (usual, customary and reasonable) payment structure have increased about 5 percent a year over the last few years compared to PPOs (preferred provider organization). Delta Dental has the biggest network in Knox County.
Flaugher estimates the county will save about 20 percent by accessing the two PPO networks that Delta Dental offers. Jonette Curry, Knox County Auditor, said the county paid out nearly $160,000 in claims last year. Other advantages of Delta Dental include no balance billing and no change in benefits for covered individuals.