Taking care of your eyes and teeth is very important, especially as you get older. Regular check-ups can help stop serious health problems and save you money over time.
Many health problems can be found during regular check-ups with a doctor and can be treated with the right care and healthy habits. One serious health problem is diabetes, which can permanently damage your eyes and teeth if it isn't found and treated early.
Diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death in the United States, and almost half of American adults who are 65 and older have prediabetes. People with diabetes spend more than twice as much on medical costs than those without it. In fact, $1 out of every $4 in U.S. healthcare costs is spent on people with diabetes.
How Diabetes Can Affect Dental Health and Vision
You probably already know how important it is to have regular check-ups with your doctor. These visits can help detect diseases or medical problems at an early stage, making them easier to treat and manage. The same goes for regular vision and dental check-ups, especially for those with diabetes who often have a harder time healing from common eye and mouth issues.
Diabetes can cause a condition called diabetic retinopathy (DR), which is the leading cause of blindness among adults aged 20-74. It is also linked to other serious eye issues, like cataracts and glaucoma. People with diabetes have a higher risk for gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), which can eventually lead to tooth and bone loss and heart disease.
Early Detection Leads to Better Results
Finding health problems early can help you stay healthier. It can also save you money because treatments are usually quicker, easier and less expensive than if the problem becomes worse.
That's why vision and dental benefits are more than just nice extras. They are important tools to help keep you and your money in good shape. TRS-Care Dental and Vision Insurance can help protect your health and your finances with coverage for both routine exams and unexpected costs.
With TRS-Care Dental, you’ll get great benefits like:
Over 11,700 licensed dentists in Texas and 475,000 in-network providers nationwide
No out-of-pocket costs for cleanings, routine X-rays (bitewing & full mouth) and in-network exams
35%-50% savings on dental list prices
Easy access to dental claims, coverage and benefits through MyBenefits online or in the MetLife mobile app
A Dental Cost Estimator tool that makes planning your care — and stretching your health care dollars — simple.
Plus, your preventive care won’t count toward the spending of your annual maximum benefit.
TRS-Care Vision benefits include diabetic eyecare for members who have been diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, including preventive screenings. Other benefits include:
Coverage for routine eye exams, glasses and contact lenses
Over 4,500 in-network vision providers in Texas and over 200,000 nationwide, plus the freedom to visit any in- or out-of network-for network provider exams and eyewear
Lens Enhancements like polycarbonate lenses for dependent children, UV coating, scratch-resistant coating, progressive lenses and more
Discounts on LASIK and access to a hearing exam and discounts on hearing aids
Learn more about TRS-Care Dental and Vision Insurance or call for questions about benefits:
MetLife Dental Insurance
1-855-488-0522
Monday – Friday
7 a.m. – 10 p.m. CST
MetLife Vision Insurance
1-855-488-0522
Monday – Friday 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. CST,
and Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. CST
TRS Enrollment and Eligibility
1-888-237-6762
Monday – Friday
7 a.m. – 6 p.m. CST