Page 18 - Work Force June 2022

Invisalign and your EBF Dental Benefit
Recently, CSEA Employee Benefit Fund (EBF) staff attended a Western Region Judiciary Local membership meeting in Buffalo.
We are always excited to meet members in person, distribute updated information and answer questions.
One of the questions we answered a few times at this meeting was whether the EBF covers Invisalign orthodontic treatments.
Now, Work Force readers get that same information as we explain what Invisalign is and how your EBF Dental Plan can work with this method of teeth straightening.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that involves a series of removable clear plastic aligners that fit over the teeth. Instead of traditional brackets and wires, the aligners push the teeth into place.
The 20-30 aligners you wear are made based on highly accurate 3D digital images. Most wearers will progress to the next set about every two weeks. Periodic visits to the orthodontist are required about every 4-6 weeks to check on your progress.
What are some advantages
of Invisalign?
• The clear plastic aligners are
almost invisible.
• The aligners have a smooth
surface that can make them
more comfortable to wear.
• The aligners make it easier to
maintain good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) than with traditional braces.
• There are fewer restrictions when it comes to athletics.
• The ability to remove the aligners allows patients to eat foods that would normally
damage traditional wires and brackets.
What are some disadvantages?
• Some find it inconvenient having to wear the aligners 20-22 hours a day.
• Younger users might not have the self-discipline to wear
the aligners for more than 20 hours per day and are more likely to lose the aligners when they remove them to eat.
• You are not allowed to
eat or drink anything except water while wearing the aligners.
• Not suitable for all cases.
• May not be offered at every practice.
Does my EBF Dental Plan cover Invisalign?
The EBF covers Invisalign with the same allowances as traditional braces. Refer to the orthodontics section in your summary plan descriptions for specific amounts, limitations, and exclusions. EBF orthodontic coverage includes 24 completed active treatments for traditional braces.
For those who chose Invisalign, the custom aligners would be
considered your active treatments. Any aligners beyond 24 are the responsibility of the member. Consider one of our participating orthodontists to get the most value out of your benefit.
Participating providers accept our plan allowances as full payment for covered services. Find a provider at cseaebf.com.
All of the EBF’s dental plans, except the Retiree Dental Plan, include orthodontic coverage.
Appliances must be in place before age 19. Orthodontic coverage is provided for employees under age 19 and unmarried dependent
children enrolled in the plan. Four of our plans, UCS, UCS Retiree, Equinox and Dutchess, also include an adult orthodontic benefit for employees and spouses. If you are not certain which plan you have, use our benefit search tool at cseaebf.com.
Whenever the estimated cost
of recommended dental treatment exceeds $500, the EBF advises the submission of a pre-determination of benefits before the work begins. This process helps patients and providers determine what the plan will cover and reimburse for the course of treatment.
Cottrell is PEOPLE Recruiter of the Month for April
SYRACUSE
— Ali Cottrell of the SUNY Upstate Medical University Local in the Central Region is the PEOPLE Recruiter of the Month for April.
Cottrell, who Cottrell
serves as the
SUNY Upstate Medical University Local President, recruited 16 new PEOPLE members at the MVP level.
“Many of [CSEA’s] younger people may not be aware of the
of the labor strife that led to the Taylor Law and the Triborough Amendment,” Cottrell said. “Even back then, it was the union working through political action to
elect candidate that support our issues. It’s more important than ever now.”
CSEA’s PEOPLE program protects and improves our
jobs, benefits and pensions
in Washington, Albany and in your community. Your support and participation in PEOPLE strengthens CSEA’s clout in the workplace, in the legislature, in your community and in the labor movement.
— Mathew L. Cantore
18 The Work Force
June 2022