[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 97 (Wednesday, July 14, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8134-S8135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Ms. COLLINS (for herself and Mr. Akaka):
  S. 2657. A bill to amend part III of title 5, United States Code, to 
provide for the establishment of programs under which supplemental 
dental and vision benefits are made available to Federal employees, 
retirees, and their dependents, to expand the contracting authority of 
the Office of Personnel Management, and for other purposes; to the 
Committee on Governmental Affairs.
  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President. I am pleased today to introduce 
legislation with my friend and colleague, Senator Akaka, that would 
give Federal employees, retirees, and their families greater access to 
comprehensive dental and vision insurance coverage. The Federal 
Employee Dental and Vision Benefits Enhancement Act of 2004 would 
establish a voluntary program under which Federal employees and 
annuitants may purchase dental and vision coverage. The legislation 
grants the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) the authority to select 
the appropriate combination of nationwide and regional companies and a 
variety of benefit packages to meet the diverse needs of our Federal 
employee and annuitant population.
  The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates 
that for every dollar spent on dental disease prevention, $4 is saved 
in subsequent treatment costs. Improved access to dental and vision 
care is an essential component of any comprehensive health care 
strategy. Federal employees need and deserve increased access to dental 
and vision benefits.
  Today, the Federal community has access to excellent medical coverage 
through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB). 
Unfortunately, the program provides reimbursement for only a small 
fraction of dental care. Customer surveys indicate that FEHB enrollees 
want more comprehensive dental and vision benefits than those that are 
currently being provided in the FEHB program. The increasing demand for 
dental and vision benefits has prompted Senator Akaka and me to pursue 
legislation that would offer separate and improved coverage for Federal 
employees, retirees, and their families.
  The stand-alone model contained in my legislation preserves the 
integrity of the FEHB while encouraging the purchase of additional 
dental and vision coverage. It is important to note that nothing in my 
legislation prevents the existing medical carriers from continuing to 
offer dental and vision coverage under the FEHBP. Further, nothing in 
the legislation precludes current FEHBP carriers from participating in 
the competitive process to offer benefits under the new voluntary 
dental and vision programs. The legislation simply provides a mechanism 
for dental and vision companies to participate in the Federal employee 
benefits arena.
  In recognition of the enormous fiscal pressures faced by the Federal 
Government, the legislation is designed to provide an employee-paid 
dental and vision benefit, patterned after the Federal Employees Long-
Term Care Insurance Program. By leveraging the purchasing power of the 
Federal Government, combined with market-driven competition, OPM would 
have the ability to provide access to more comprehensive dental and 
vision coverage to employees and retirees at no cost to the Federal 
Government. Federal employees would have the confidence that OPM has 
given its seal of approval to the benefit packages provided under the 
voluntary programs.

  The legislation recognizes the geographic dispersion of the Federal 
workforce and the need for greater access to care through local dental 
and eye health professionals by requiring companies to provide coverage 
in under-served areas. For example, companies selected to provide 
coverage to a particular region would be required to develop and 
maintain provider networks in all States, including States where access 
to care may be less available.
  While the legislation lists general categories of benefits that may 
be offered under the new programs, the statutory model is flexible to 
ensure that the benefit packages can be modified over time to 
incorporate future advances in dental and vision products, therapies, 
and technologies.
  Employees look to their employer to provide education about their 
benefits. For this reason, the legislation requires OPM to make 
available the educational tools necessary so that Federal employees 
have a clear understanding of the choices available to them. Employees 
will have access to information on how the voluntary plans can 
supplement the existing, though limited, coverage offered by their 
medical plan under the FEHBP, to meet their individual needs for care. 
OPM would also educate employees about the value of their existing 
Flexible Spending Accounts to help cover out-of-pocket dental and 
vision expenses. These options can help Federal employees and 
annuitants get the best value for their premium dollar.
  Administration by OPM would ensure that each contract is awarded on 
the basis of quality and price, and that the companies understand and 
adapt to the needs of Federal employees, retirees, and their families. 
Additionally, OPM would provide participants access to a process to 
appeal adverse benefit determinations. Premiums can be made through 
payroll or annuity deductions, direct payments to the participating 
companies, or both. The plans would be open to all Federal civilian 
employees and annuitants, regardless of whether they currently 
participate in the FEHBP.
  As with the Long-Term Care Insurance Program, our measure for the 
success of the dental and vision programs would be the extent to which 
Federal employees purchase these benefits.
  My colleagues and I have recognized, through our support of 
legislation to assist the Federal Government with its recruitment and 
retention efforts, that the Federal Government's most important asset 
is its human capital. Employees of 48 State governments offer or 
provide access to dental benefit plans to employees. Surveys indicate 
that 95 percent of employers with 500 or more employees provide dental 
insurance. The opportunity to purchase enhanced dental and vision 
coverage will help the government with its ongoing efforts to recruit 
and retain a highly qualified workforce.
  The legislation is supported by the American Federation of Government 
Employees, the National Treasury Employees Union, the National 
Association of Dental Plans, and the American Optometric Association. I 
hope my colleagues will join me in providing our

[[Page S8135]]

Federal employee community with greater access to dental and vision 
coverage.
                                 ______