In the last round of negotiations, it was a priority of APA to address the low coverage of the base Delta Dental Plan and the restricted access of the Aetna DMO Dental Plan. The result of the negotiations was a Letter of Agreement that required the University to meet with APA to reach a mutual resolution on the dental coverage for our members by December 31, 2012. This way any changes in dental benefits would go into effect July 1, 2013.
Contractually, the Aetna DMO Dental Plan premium must not be higher than the base Delta Dental Plan. In 2012, the premium for Aetna rose above the premium for base Delta plan. This caused the University to request a discussion with APA and most of the unions on campus regarding the dental coverage.
The APA has been meeting the University to discuss the legitimate member concerns regarding the low annual maximum of $600 for the Delta Dental base plan and the restricted coverage of the Aetna DMO. The APA has run comparisons across both the Big 10 Universities and the in-state colleges and universities; no one has the low level of coverage that MSU provides for its employees.
The goal is to gain better access and quality of care for our members. The APA will be meeting over the next six months with the University to reach mutual resolution on the issue. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your dental coverage, please contact the APA office at (517) 353-4898.