AFTRA HAS BROUGHT YOU ADDITIONAL

DENTAL AND VISION COVERAGE

As a:

• Newly qualified or re-qualified member

• New AFTRA employee

• New AFTRA H&R employee

You will be able to join the program without a late entrance penalty as long as you enroll within 90 days of qualifying or employment.

A late Entrance Penalty means that the plan will not cover Basic (Type II) services for the first 6 months, and Major (Type III) services for first 12 months after you join the plan.

Who can participate? 

• AFTRA Union members in good standing or on honorable withdrawal

• Employees of AFTRA

• Employees of AFTRA Health & Retirement

• Eligible dependents

In order to participate, the member must be and remain current with any Health Plan premiums that are required under AFTRA H&R Funds Health Plan rules. Enrollment and participation is subject to verification of enrollment in the AFTRA Health Plan and primary participant's status as a member of the AFTRA Union, employee of AFTRA or employee of the AFTRA H&R Funds.

The Dental Benefit

This supplemental dental insurance covers Type II and Type III services that are not currently covered by the AFTRA Health Dental Benefit.  The Type II services include but are not limited to: fillings, bridge repair, crown repair and denture repairs, endodontics, periodontics and Oral Surgery.  Type III services include: new crowns, new bridges, inlays and certain prosthodontic services. Orthodontia is not included.   Although this plan does not include orthodontia coverage, you are eligible for significant discounts on orthodontia services by using Guardian PPO Network providers.  Since all of Guardian's network services are discounted, members will save on orthodontia procedures even though orthodontia is not covered by this plan!

The $1,000 per person annual maximum benefit is separate from any benefit received under the AFTRA Health Plan dental benefits.

Preventative (Type I) services are covered by the AFTRA Health Dental Benefit, which is a totally separate benefit from this supplemental policy.  Since Guardian is the insurance carrier for the AFTRA Health Dental Benefit, in addition to this supplemental plan, Guardian will ensure that all claims are processed through the correct policy. 

The Vision Benefit:

This benefit is included with both the PPO Plan and the DHMO Plan.  The vision plan allows you to visit any eye doctor you wish.  However, you save significantly on out-of-pocket costs when network providers are used.   There's more, you will receive substantial coverage for annual eye exams and discounts on eyewear and contact lens professional services every 12 months. 

Largest Quality Network

Our affiliation with Vision Service Plan (VSP) gives members access to approximately 29,000 provider locations nationwide.  All network professionals, including licensed optometrists or ophthalmologists, are committed to delivering quality service. 

You can find a VSP provider near you by looking up a VSP Provider on the internet at www.vsp.com or calling VSP customer service at (800) 877-7195.

Eye Exams

•  $10.00 co-pay, covered in full thereafter

Glasses

• 20% off lenses, frames and the industry's most extensive list of "cosmetic extras", including tints, special lenses, (e.g. progressives) and scratch resistant coatings

• 20% off the retail price of additional glasses after initial pair is purchased

Contact Lenses and Professional Services

• 15% off the network doctor's evaluation and fitting services

• 20-25% off laser vision correction, or 5% off the laser surgery center's best promotional price, whichever is a better deal!

Vision benefits are provided through the VSP network and include an annual eye exam for a $10 co-pay, in addition to discounted rates on frames, lenses, and other professional services at VSP network providers.  This benefit also includes discounts on all covered services LASIK.

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 What Are The Costs?

The Dental and Vision Plan is offered as a combined package only.  All billing is done quarterly:

How do I enroll?  Enrollment is as easy as Click, Call, Mail or Fax!

• Online -

• Telephone - Call 800-569-5319 to enroll over the telephone.

• Mail -  Download, print and complete the application form and mail to:

Group Benefit Associates

3963 W. Belmont Ave.

Suite 6

Chicago IL 60618

• Fax - Download, print and complete the application form and fax it to 773-427-6875.

How is the Program Administered?  Group Benefit Associates and Guardian Life Insurance Company administer this insurance program.  It is not sponsored by or administered by the AFTRA H&R Funds.  Questions about covered services, claims, reimbursement and any other items should be addressed to Guardian at 800-765-6405, and not the AFTRA H&R Fund.  Question pertaining to the collection of premium for this program should be addressed to Group Benefit Associates at 800-450-1271.

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