The Vermont Education Health Initiative began offering a dental program on July 1, 2000. This program is a joint effort between Northeast Delta Dental and VEHI. Because VEHI is such a large purchasing pool, it is able to achieve economies of scale with respect to certain administrative charges, market services, risk charges and other expenses. The VEHI dental program also realizes additional savings by offering plans directly to school districts, rather than through local brokers, just as it does with its health insurance plans.

While the actual cost to a school district depends on the size and claims history of each group, VEHI has been able to provide enough leverage to help districts with the cost of their dental plans. Some of the highlights of the Program include:

• A January renewal announcement well in advance of school budget voting
• Strong advocacy on behalf of member districts and their employees
• A more cost effective way to purchase dental plans that saves money for school districts and employees
• Recognized Northeast Delta Dental plans and service

To obtain information on any of VSBIT's Insurance Programs, contact:

Joseph Zimmerman
or
Diane Cleary

VSBIT
2 Prospect Street, Suite 5
Montpelier, VT 05602
Telephone: 802/223-5040
Fax: 802/229-1446