LACERS offers you two types of dental plans – the MetLife PPO and the SafeGuard HMO Plan.

Regardless of your dental plan choice, please contact your plan’s member services prior to receiving major dental treatment to ensure that the services are covered under the plan.

Under the MetLife PPO plan, you may choose to see any dentist you wish. However, you will receive a higher benefit if you seek care from a dentist who is part of the preferred network. MetLife has contracted with these dentists to reduce their fees for you. Not only will you receive the higher benefit, but you'll also save more by having lower out-of-pocket costs due to reduced dentist fees.

The SafeGuard HMO Plan is a managed care plan for your dental care. You select a primary dentist from the network and make an appointment. You must receive non-emergency services or obtain a referral from your primary dentist to receive benefits. You will find specific benefit information about your dental choices in the schedule of benefits.

Eligible Surviving Spouses/Domestic Partners are not entitled to a dental subsidy. However, they may enroll in a LACERS dental plan and have the premium deducted from their monthly allowance.

• 2012 Health Benefits Guide