Aflac, a leading provider of supplemental insurance products in the U.S., today announced the national launch of Aflac Dental and Vision Insurance, the company's expansion into offering products based on a provider network. As a component of the insurer's continual growth strategy, the new coverage allows Aflac to offer even more of the key benefits businesses desire to remain competitive and help attract and retain top talent.

U.S. employees cite dental insurance as the second most important benefit to them after health insurance, with vision insurance ranking their fourth most valued benefit after life insurance, according to the Aflac 2020-2021 WorkForces Report. Dental and vision plans not only help with costs associated with preventive health measures, but routine checkups and exams can lead to the detection of numerous conditions before they require more costly treatments. 

"With this national expansion into network dental and vision, Aflac is offering employers and consumers an expanded value proposition, while providing our associates and broker partners the tools they need to bring the most comprehensive set of products to a very competitive marketplace," said Aflac President of Group Benefits Rich Williams. "Combined with the incredible power of the Aflac brand, our new dental and vision plans will greatly enhance the trusted relationship we have built with employers and policyholders for nearly 70 years and offer prospective customers even more reason to consider Aflac's entire suite of products for their supplemental insurance solutions."

The new dental and vision coverage, available for businesses with as few as three employees in many locations, features a streamlined underwriting process, more than 100 easy-to-understand and fully customizable plans, and upfront rates.

Aflac Dental Insurance helps give insureds peace of mind from knowing they have assistance with both routine and unexpected dental expenses. With over 270,000 access points and over 80,000 unique providers comprising the Aflac Dental Network, coverage includes no waiting periods (excluding orthodontic services) and no copays required for most preventative procedures. Other benefits include: 

• Deductible that decreases over time — With this new-to-market benefit, insureds see a reduced deductible each year the plan is in force, with the first year at $50 per person, the second decreasing to $25 per person, and the third and subsequent years seeing no deductible.

• Annual maximum carryover — Insureds can carry over $250 each year toward their annual maximum, up to a total of $1,000, for use with any qualifying dental expense.

• Dental accidental injury — If an insured experiences a covered dental injury, the plan pays 100%, subject to deductible and annual maximum amounts.

Aflac Vision Insurance makes it easier and more affordable for people to get regular eye exams and better preserve their vision. In partnership with Davis Vision, one of the top-five vision insurance networks in America, insureds can choose to receive care through any of the Aflac Vision Network's more than 85,000 providers comprising independent, private-practice optometrists and ophthalmologists as well as select retail in-store and online optical partners. Highlights include:

• Eyeglasses breakage warranty — Receive added peace of mind with an unconditional one-year breakage warranty for the free-of-charge repair or replacement of broken frames or lenses purchased at participating eye care professional locations.

• Laser-vision correction (LASIK) — Insureds can save up to 25% off LASIK services at participating eye care professional locations. 

• Eyewear savings — Insureds can receive frame allowances and discounts of up to 20% off additional eyewear as well as 10% off disposable contact lenses.

"Broadening the scope of our product portfolio elevates Aflac to the front page of the benefits enrollment process for employees, demonstrating our value to brokers, independent agents, and employers in 2021 and beyond," added Bob Ruff, senior vice president of Growth Solutions at Aflac. "By offering these must-have components of workplace benefits packages, Aflac can help provide policyholders even more financial protection to help in their time of need."

Aflac Dental Insurance plans are available now in Alabama; Alaska; Arizona; Arkansas; California; Connecticut; Delaware; Florida; Georgia; Hawaii; Idaho; Illinois; Indiana; Iowa; Kansas; Louisiana; Maine; Michigan; Minnesota; Mississippi; Missouri; Nebraska; Nevada; New Hampshire; North Carolina; North Dakota; Ohio; Oklahoma; Oregon; Pennsylvania; South Carolina; South Dakota; Tennessee; Texas; Utah; Vermont; West Virginia; Washington, D.C.; Wisconsin and Wyoming. 

Aflac Vision Insurance plans are available now in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsinand Wyoming. 

More locations will be added for both plans in the coming months. 

To learn more about these new plans, please visit Aflac.com/NetworkDental and Aflac.com/NetworkVision.