COLUMBUS, Ga.—Aflac (NYSE: AFL), a leading provider of supplemental insurance products, announced this week the national launch of Aflac Vision and Dental Insurance, which the company said marks its “expansion into offering products based on a provider network.” As a component of the insurer's continual growth strategy, the new coverage allows Aflac to offer even more of the key benefits that businesses desire to remain competitive and help attract and retain top talent, the announcement noted.

Aflac Vision Insurance, which will be launched in partnership with Davis Vision, “makes it easier and more affordable for people to get regular eye exams and better preserve their vision,” the announcement noted. Insured members can choose to receive eyecare through any of the Aflac Vision Network's more than 85,000 providers comprising independent, private-practice optometrists and ophthalmologists as well as select retail in-store and online optical partners, the announcement noted.

(Note Davis Vision and its parent company, Versant Health, were acquired in a deal that closed earlier this week, as VMAIL reported.) 

U.S. employees cite dental insurance as the second most important benefit to them after health insurance, with vision insurance ranking their fourth most valued benefit after life insurance, according to the Aflac 2020-2021 WorkForces Report. Dental and vision plans not only help with costs associated with preventive health measures, but routine checkups and exams can lead to the detection of numerous conditions before they require more costly treatments.

"With this national expansion into network dental and vision, Aflac is offering employers and consumers an expanded value proposition, while providing our associates and broker partners the tools they need to bring the most comprehensive set of products to a very competitive marketplace," said Aflac president of group benefits Rich Williams.

"Combined with the incredible power of the Aflac brand, our new dental and vision plans will greatly enhance the trusted relationship we have built with employers and policyholders for nearly 70 years and offer prospective customers even more reason to consider Aflac's entire suite of products for their supplemental insurance solutions," Williams said.

The new dental and vision coverage, available for businesses with as few as three employees in many locations, features a streamlined underwriting process, more than 100 easy-to-understand and fully customizable plans, and upfront rates.

Highlights of Aflac Vision include:
• Eyeglasses breakage warranty—Receive added peace of mind with an unconditional one-year breakage warranty for the free-of-charge repair or replacement of broken frames or lenses purchased at participating eye care professional locations.

• Laser-vision correction (LASIK)—Insureds can save up to 25 percent off LASIK services at participating eyecare professional locations.

• Eyewear savings—Insureds can receive frame allowances and discounts of up to 20 percent off additional eyewear as well as 10 percent off disposable contact lenses.

“Broadening the scope of our product portfolio elevates Aflac to the front page of the benefits enrollment process for employees, demonstrating our value to brokers, independent agents, and employers in 2021 and beyond," added Bob Ruff, senior vice president of growth solutions at Aflac. "By offering these must-have components of workplace benefits packages, Aflac can help provide policyholders even more financial protection to help in their time of need.”

Aflac Vision Insurance plans are available now in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

More locations will be added for both plans in the coming months. To learn more about the new vision plan, visit Aflac.com/NetworkVision.