Prescription drug and dental programs

Prescription drug program coverage trends indicate a predominance of only major medical coverage with decreasing coverage of prescription drugs due to increasing deductibles, and a cost trend reflecting high inflationary rates, and an increased utilization trend. For cost control there are a variety of options including increasing deductibles; prescription service, chain, and mail-order plans; and even generic substitution. Coverage trends in dental programs indicate movement toward 100 percent coverage with a zero deductible for preventive care, an increase in orthodontia, and a termination of coverage at age sixty-five, while the inflationary trend is low and the utilization trend is only increasing for preventive services. Included among dental plan options are: dental capitation plans; direct reimbursement plans; and in-house dental services.