As of December 2025, Delta Dental of Iowa is undergoing significant changes that directly impact members, businesses, and the broader Iowa community. The organization, a cornerstone of dental coverage in the state, has rolled out pivotal new benefits, adjusted plan structures for the upcoming year, and announced a major shift in its executive leadership.
These updates, particularly the introduction of a key new benefit and the appointment of a new President and CEO, signal a strategic evolution focused on expanding access to care and strengthening community health initiatives. Understanding these changes is essential for policyholders, providers, and stakeholders looking to maximize their dental benefits and stay informed about Iowa’s oral health landscape.
Executive Leadership and Corporate Profile: The New Era
The leadership structure at Delta Dental of Iowa has seen a significant transition, marking a new chapter for the organization. This shift is integral to the company's strategic direction and its commitment to improving the oral and overall health of Iowans.
April Schmaltz: President and CEO
- Role: President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Previous Role: Interim Co-CEO and Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing
- Significance: Schmaltz’s appointment represents a commitment to continuity and growth, leveraging her extensive experience within the company to lead its mission and operations.
Key Executive Management Team
- Jeffrey Chaffin: Chief Dental Officer
- Erica Boliver: Vice President of Human Resources
Board of Directors and Foundation Leadership
The Board of Directors provides strategic oversight, meeting quarterly with an annual planning retreat. Recent changes in board leadership reinforce the organization's focus on governance and community impact:
- Board Chair: Tom Mahoney
- New Board Member: Dr. Teri Wahlig
- Foundation Leadership: The Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation also saw new leadership elected, emphasizing the charitable arm's strategic direction.
1. The Launch of the Special Health Care Needs Benefit (SHCN) in 2025
One of the most impactful and progressive updates for 2025 is the introduction of the Special Health Care Needs (SHCN) benefit. This new benefit is a major step toward addressing barriers to oral care for some of the most vulnerable members of the community.
What the SHCN Benefit Covers
Starting January 1, 2025, the SHCN benefit will automatically be included in all Delta Dental plans at no extra cost. It is specifically designed to support members who have certain qualifying conditions, ensuring they receive the necessary specialized dental care.
- Improved Access: The benefit aims to remove financial and logistical barriers to specialized oral care.
- Eligibility: It is available to eligible members with qualifying special health care needs, focusing on comprehensive coverage that goes beyond standard preventive services.
- Standard Inclusion: Its inclusion as a standard feature across all Delta Dental of Iowa plans highlights the company’s mission-driven approach to health equity.
2. Key 2025 Plan Updates for Individuals and Small Businesses
As part of the annual renewal process, Delta Dental of Iowa has announced specific adjustments to its individual and small business dental plans for 2025. These changes are crucial for members and employers budgeting for the new year.
Individual Plan Adjustments
For individual dental plans, members should note a slight increase in plan rates for 2025. However, individual vision plan rates are expected to remain unchanged, providing stability for members with bundled coverage.
Small Business Plan Changes
Small business employers utilizing Delta Dental coverage will see updates to their benefits certificates. A notable change is the increase in maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) amounts for Plus plans:
- MOOP for Child: Increased to $425 per child.
- MOOP for Family: Increased to $850 per family.
These adjustments are part of broader revisions to the small business plan portfolio, including 10 additions and 2 deletions to covered procedures, effective January 1, 2025.
3. Expanded Partnership with Medicare Advantage Dental Benefits
Delta Dental of Iowa continues its collaboration with the Wellmark Advantage Health Plan (WMAHP) to offer comprehensive dental benefits to Medicare Advantage members. This partnership is vital for Iowa’s senior population, ensuring access to essential dental care integrated with their overall health coverage.
Focus on Senior Oral Health
The availability of a 2025 sample member ID card underscores the operational readiness for the upcoming year's enrollment and benefits cycle. Dental coverage for seniors often includes crucial preventive services and coverage for restorative work, which are key components of maintaining overall health and wellness in older adults. This focus aligns with the company's broader mission to serve at-risk populations.
4. Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation: Community Impact and 2025 Funding
Beyond its role as a dental benefits carrier, Delta Dental of Iowa maintains a robust commitment to community health through its Foundation. The Foundation actively supports non-profit organizations and projects aimed at improving oral health across the state.
2025 Funding Opportunities
The Foundation is currently accepting 2025 funding requests for projects that advance its mission. Organizations focused on oral and overall health initiatives within Iowa are encouraged to apply for grants. The Foundation's grant applications are typically reviewed twice a year, with deadlines for the 2025 cycle often occurring early in the year.
Key Areas of Investment
The Foundation’s strategic goals prioritize improving oral health outcomes by funding a variety of projects:
- Educational Projects: Enhancing awareness of good oral hygiene, particularly among children, the elderly, and indigent populations.
- Preventive Programs: Supporting initiatives that offer preventive dental services.
- Mobile Dentistry: Expanding access to care through mobile dental clinics for veterans and older adults, especially in rural areas.
- Total Community Impact: In 2024, the Foundation's community investments were significant, demonstrating a continuous commitment to economic and health impact.
5. Commitment to Overall Health and Wellness Initiatives
Delta Dental of Iowa understands the critical link between oral health and overall systemic health. This belief drives their sponsorship and involvement in statewide wellness initiatives.
Sponsorship of the Healthiest State Initiative
The company served as the presenting sponsor for the 2024 Healthiest State Walk, partnering with the Healthiest State Initiative. This involvement promotes physical activity and general wellness, reinforcing the message that health is holistic and interconnected.
The Oral-Systemic Health Connection
By promoting foundational health habits and supporting community programs, Delta Dental of Iowa emphasizes that dental care is not isolated. Conditions like periodontitis can be linked to systemic issues, making comprehensive dental coverage and preventive education a vital public health service. The company's focus on *community giving* and *sharing smiles* is a testament to its broader health mission.
Navigating Your Delta Dental of Iowa Coverage
The 2025 updates from Delta Dental of Iowa reflect a dynamic environment focused on expanding access, particularly for those with special health care needs, while managing the financial realities of providing comprehensive dental coverage. For current and prospective members, a deep dive into the updated plan certificates and rate changes is highly recommended to ensure full utilization of benefits.
Whether you are an individual seeking better preventive care, a small business owner reviewing your employee benefits, or a non-profit organization looking for grant funding, Delta Dental of Iowa’s strategic shifts for 2025 are designed to strengthen the oral health infrastructure across the state. The new leadership under CEO April Schmaltz is poised to guide the organization through this period of expansion and enhanced community engagement.
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