The media and insurance industry circles frequently mentionprivate exchanges as an alternative to public marketplace exchangesor traditional insurance plans. A recent survey of employers byTowers Watson and the National Business Group indicated thatone-third plan to move their employee benefit plans to privateexchanges within the next few years. They may be looking to avoidthe headaches and uncertainties involving employee benefits,including spiraling costs and increasing regulations associatedwith the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

But are private exchanges the best option for all employers andfor all health plans, especially for popular dental and visionbenefits?

Explore the Options. Options for dentaland vision coverage will appeal to employers and employees indifferent ways. The key is to match set goals to the option thatoffers the best fit. Most employers rely on brokers and insuranceconsultants to provide reliable information they can use to makedental and vision benefit decisions. They also expect brokers toeducate employees on the choices that will meet their needs andthose of their family members.