10 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD ENROLL IN THE ODA’S HEALTH BENEFITS PLAN
Open enrollment for the ODA’s health benefits plan, the ODA Wellness Trust, begins Oct. 15 and lasts through Nov. 15 for Jan. 1, 2026 coverage.
The ODA Wellness Trust is a private, dentist-owned, self-funded health benefits plan, developed by ODA member dentists for ODA member dentists and their staffs to provide high quality health benefits at affordable rates. The plan is available exclusively to ODA members, their families and their staff members. Learn more and request a quote at www.odawt.org.
As the ODA Wellness Trust celebrates its 10th anniversary, here are 10 reasons why you should enroll in our health benefits plan!
Save money on your health benefits
As health care costs continue to rise, this past year the ODA Wellness Trust had a flat renewal, and the upcoming 2026 renewal will be on average less than 5% increase. As health insurers submit their rate filings, Affordable Care Act Marketplace insurers are expected to raise their premiums by about 20% on average in 2026. Many health benefits plans are likely to cost more while covering less for patients. But the ODA Wellness Trust has worked hard to maintain affordable rates while providing top tier coverage. Plus as a self-insured plan, the ODA Wellness Trust is exempt from many state and federal taxes, which instantly saves its subscribers money.
A plan designed for dental offices
The ODA Wellness Trust was designed to be flexible and fit the needs of dental offices. The ODA Wellness Trust is an employer plan, but no employer contribution is required and participation requirements are some of the most accommodating in the market. If you are an independent contractor or have employees that are all covered elsewhere (spouse, etc.), you may have them waive the coverage and request an exception as a one-person group. The application will then go to the underwriting staff for review to see if there is a fit as a one-person group within the Wellness Trust.
Excellent customer service
ODA Services Corp. employees are available to answer questions about the ODA Wellness Trust and help dentists decide which plan is right for their office. These ODA Services Corp. professionals are licensed insurance agents who are salary-based and do not make a commission on sales, so they always have ODA members’ best interests at heart. They provide attentive, responsive customer service and are available to assist participants with any questions or office updates.
Recruit and retain staff
The ODA Wellness Trust provides an affordable way for dentists to offer health benefits to their staff, which can help attract new staff members and retain current staff. Even if an employer chooses not to contribute to their employee’s monthly premium, the employer and the employee can still save money because the ODA Wellness Trust plan can be purchased through a payroll deduction with pre-tax dollars. The employee may get a tax break on the monthly costs of at least 15%, and the employer may save the social security matching tax too.
Wide variety of plan options
The ODA Wellness Trust offers deductible options ranging from $250 to $6,500 and HSA plans, allowing an option for all different benefit needs. A majority of the ODA Wellness Trust plans are ranked as “gold” level, meaning that more of the cost sharing belongs to the plan than with other lower valued plans, which place more of the cost share burden on the member.
Large network of providers and hospitals
The ODA Wellness Trust has partnered with Medical Mutual of Ohio to access its broad health care provider network. Medical Mutual’s SuperMed PPO Network is a statewide network that includes nearly every health care provider in Ohio and 99% of the hospitals.
Our plan is overseen by dentists
The ODA Wellness Trust is managed by ODA member dentists who are all enrolled in the plan. Whether through expanding coverage options, enhancing benefits, or providing increased flexibility during COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Trustees has demonstrated agility and responsiveness in meeting the diverse health care needs of its members.
Band together with other dentists to gain collective buying power
By joining together with ODA members throughout Ohio, the ODA Wellness Trust gains collective buying power, which allows dentists and employees access to similar pricing and coverage large employers receive. In addition, the ODA Wellness Trust is only available to members of the ODA. Historically, dentists are one of the healthiest populations when various trades are examined. As an enrollee in the ODA Wellness Trust, your claims are pooled with other dental offices which determines the rates for the plan. No longer are other associations or insurance carrier populations used to determine the ODA member rates.
Direct access to our staff for assistance
ODA members who enroll in the Wellness Trust have access to ODA Services Corp. staff to help through every step of the process and avoid needing to wait on hold or navigate automated directories with insurance carriers. When you call the ODA, you’ll be connected with our staff. Even if we’re not immediately available, we’ll call you back quickly. And you can reach us by email at insurance@oda.org.
Support the ODA
When you purchase your health benefits through the ODA Wellness Trust, you’re also supporting the ODA and helping to keep ODA membership dues as low as possible.
More information
To learn more about the ODA Wellness Trust and to request a quote, visit www.odawt.org or call (800) 282-1526 or email insurance@oda.org.
