Senators introduce bill to provide dental, vision benefits

Late Wednesday, two Senate lawmakers introduced a bill to provide federal employees and their families with access to voluntary dental and vision health insurance, an area of persistent concern for many government workers.

The Federal Employee Dental and Vision Benefits Enhancement Act of 2004, was introduced by Sens. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, and Susan Collins, R-Maine, chairwoman of the Governmental Affairs Committee. The House recently passed legislation pushed by Rep. Jo Ann Davis, R-Va., to require the Office of Personnel Management to study how to improve vision, dental and hearing benefits for federal employees. The Senate bill, however, would require OPM to go beyond studying and actually implement new benefits systems.

"The federal government's most important asset is its human capital. The opportunity for employees to purchase enhanced dental and vision coverage will help the government with its ongoing efforts to recruit and retain a highly qualified workforce," Collins said.

During a July 6 interview with Government Executive, Davis said it is not clear what form of legislation will ultimately come from Congress.

"At this point we're not sure if [senators will] just pass our bill as is, or if they'll incorporate it into the bill they have. But I feel very strongly that something will come out, because I think they feel very strongly about this issue," she said.

The Senate bill would set up a system for dental and vision benefits like the long-term care insurance program currently availale to federal employees. The government would use its purchasing power to negotiate rates, but not pay a share of premiums. The bill would allow OPM to select an array of companies and insurance packages to give federal workers options for supplemental insurance. The new options would not affect the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan, according to a Senate aide.

"This is an important first step," Akaka said. "Under our bill, the immense buying power of the more than 8.6 million employees, retirees and dependents will be leveraged to obtain the best possible rates and most comprehensive coverage for those who choose this voluntary supplemental dental and vision benefit package."

Collins and Akaka said the supplemental coverage was common among state government employees and large companies. Employees in 48 state governments currently have access to dental coverage.