AARP Dental Insurance Plan Now Available in Ten More States

Business Wire, Dec 14, 2005

WASHINGTON -- The AARP Dental Insurance Plan announced today the addition of ten new states, bringing the total to 48 states (including the District of Columbia) in which the program is now available, expanding affordable dental coverage to millions of additional AARP members and their families.

Already available in 37 states and the District of Columbia, the AARP Dental Insurance Plan now also covers Alaska, Arizona, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma and Vermont. Plans are to make the program available to all 35 million AARP members across the country.

"There is a growing need for affordable dental insurance for older Americans, as part of one's healthcare coverage supporting overall health and wellness," said Dawn Sweeney, president of AARP Services, Inc. "AARP is devoted to ensuring that Americans can gain access to affordable coverage for complete health care."

Featuring comprehensive family coverage and the freedom to choose any licensed dentist, the AARP Dental Insurance Plan targets the millions of 50-plus Americans who often face losing dental coverage upon retirement.

According to the landmark U.S. Surgeon General's report on oral health released in May 2000, approximately 60 percent of Americans older than 50 have dental insurance, but most will lose this coverage when they retire at the same time they face fixed or reduced incomes.

The AARP Dental Insurance Plan -- managed through subsidiary AARP Services, and administered by Delta Dental Insurance Company, which underwrites it with affiliates Dentegra Insurance Company and Dentegra Insurance Company of New England -- provides immediate coverage for most preventive, diagnostic and basic restorative services, as well as endodontics (root canal treatment) and oral surgery (extractions). After 12 months, coverage expands to include major restorations, periodontics (gum treatment) and prosthodontics (dentures).

Those interested in the coverage may contact the AARP Dental Insurance Plan for more information at www.deltadentalins.com/aarp or call toll-free at 866-583-2085 to enroll. AARP membership is required for enrollment.

Note: Coverage has been available in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

About AARP/AARP Services, Inc.

AARP is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization dedicated to making life better for people 50 and older. AARP provides information and resources; engages in legislative, regulatory and legal advocacy; assists members in serving their communities; and offers a wide range of unique benefits, special products and services for its members. These include AARP The Magazine, published bi-monthly; AARP Bulletin, a monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, a quarterly newspaper in Spanish; NRTA Live and Learn, a quarterly newsletter for 50-plus educators; and AARP's web site, www.aarp.org. AARP staffs offices in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.

AARP Services, Inc. (ASI), founded in 1999, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AARP. AARP Services manages the wide range of products and services that are offered as benefits to AARP's 35 million members. The offers span health and financial products, travel and leisure products, and life event services. Specific products include Medicare supplemental insurance; automobile and homeowners insurance; member discounts on rental cars, cruises, vacation packages and lodging; special offers on technology and gifts; life insurance; a credit card; pharmacy services; alternative health services; legal services; and long-term care insurance. AARP Services' responsibilities include developing new products, managing products and services, marketing, creating and maintaining partnership and sponsorship relationships, and developing and managing AARP's award-winning web site, www.aarp.org.

About Delta Dental Insurance Company, Dentegra Insurance Company and Dentegra Insurance Company of New England

Delta Dental Insurance Company, Dentegra Insurance Company and Dentegra Insurance Company of New England, which together underwrite the AARP Dental Insurance Plan, are affiliates of several companies within the Delta Dental Plans Association. These affiliated companies collectively cover nearly 20 million Americans in a variety of fee-for-service, PPO and HMO dental programs across the country.

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