Prudential to Offer Dental Coverage in Partnership With Coventry Health Affiliate

Prudential Financial Inc. will offer dental coverage plans to employers after forming a partnership with a dental administrator that's an affiliate of Coventry Health Care Inc

Through its group insurance business, Prudential said it will first offer preferred provider and indemnity dental plans to employers with plans covering fewer than 1,000 employees. The second-biggest U.S. life insurer said it expects to start offering quotes to clients and producers in the second quarter for new business starting in the third quarter.

Group Dental Service Inc. is the affiliate of Coventry Health Care (NYSE: CVH), a national managed care company based in Bethesda, Md. Group Dental's network includes 130,000 provider locations, Prudential (NYSE: PRU) said.

Attempts to speak with Prudential weren't successful.

"This alliance further deepens our product portfolio and meets growing interest among employers to bundle dental insurance along with life, disability, and long-term care insurance," said Lori High, president of Prudential’s group insurance business, in a statement.

Ethan Foxman, president of Group Dental Service, said in a statement that the company will administer private-label dental programs, including network management and claims-payment services, to Prudential's clients.

Prudential Insurance Company of America currently has a Best's Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior).

Coventry Health & Life Insurance Co. currently has a Best's Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent).

(By Fran Matso Lysiak, senior associate editor, BestWeek: [email protected])