Ameritas Launches Discount Dental Product

LINCOLN, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 1, 2003--Ameritas Group, the dental and eye care division of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp., today introduced a product that gives employers an affordable new way to provide dental benefits to their employees. The new product is not insurance. For a small monthly fee, the Ameritas Discount Dental Program gives participants access to a network of dentists who have agreed to provide dental services at a discounted rate. The discount applies to any service, even orthodontia and cosmetic procedures, for the member and his or her dependents. The only dental services excluded are those already discounted or covered under another plan. Available to any size group with at least two participants, the program will initially be available in Texas and expand to additional states in the next few months. Ameritas Senior Vice President - Group Insurance Ken VanCleave, LLIF, said the company decided to introduce Discount Dental to meet a growing need for cost-effective alternatives in employee benefits. "Today's employers are searching for affordable ways to offer benefits to their employees," he said. "With Ameritas Discount Dental, employers can establish an inexpensive starter plan that gives employees something extra. The discount can be used for any dental service - from a basic dental exam, to braces, to bleaching and other popular cosmetic procedures. "The employer chooses whether or not to subsidize part or all of the employees' monthly fee. Employers can offer the plan on its own or combine it with their current dental plan or an Ameritas plan that can be customized to meet their specific needs. Ameritas' buy-up options also are available for employers who want to offer employees the additional choice of dental insurance coverage on a defined contribution basis." About Ameritas Group and The Ameritas Acacia Companies Ameritas Group, a division of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. (an Ameritas Acacia Company), offers group dental and eye care products nationwide, and dental/eye care business expertise to other insurers. In New York, insurance products are offered through First Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York. The Ameritas Acacia Companies - Ameritas Life Insurance Corp., Acacia Life Insurance Company and affiliated companies - are a diversified family of insurance and financial services businesses. Together, the companies offer life insurance, annuities, financial planning, group dental and eye care insurance, mutual funds and other investments, retirement plans, 401(k) plans, banking, worksite benefits and public financing. Web sites: www.ameritasgroup.com and www.ameritasacacia.com.