As a benefits-eligible employee, you may elect dental insurance through Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (Excellus BCBS) with or without a vision plan, through VSP. SEIU bargaining unit employees also have the option of Service Employees Benefit Fund (SEBF) dental insurance with or without the SEBF vision plan.
Dental Plan
Syracuse University offers two dental plan options:
- Preventive Dental Benefit Summary [PDF]— Covers two cleanings per year and other basic services.
- Comprehensive Dental Benefit Summary [PDF]— Covers basic and major restorative services, including oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics and orthodontics.
Both plans include in-network and out-of-network access. To maximize your benefits, use an in-network provider. Find a dentist on Excellus BCBS’s website (select Dental Blue Options or National Dental GRID+ Dente Max) or call Excellus BCBS at 800.493.0318 (TTY: 800.662.1220), Monday–Thursday 8 a.m.–8 p.m. or Friday 9 a.m.–8 p.m. EST.
Important: Dental enrollment is a two-year commitment. The current cycle runs Jan. 1, 2025 – Dec. 31, 2026. Elections made during this period remain in effect through Dec. 31, 2026, unless you experience a qualified life event.
Vision Plan
Vision benefits are provided through VSP as a standalone offering. Coverage includes routine eye exams, contact lens care, glasses and frames. Enhanced services are also available for diabetics through the Essential Medical Eye Care program [PDF].
To maximize your benefits, use an in-network VSP provider. VSP’s network is primarily independent doctors of optometry but includes some retail chains. Out-of-network coverage is available but limited. You can also take advantage of special offers available to VSP members. To find a provider or get assistance, call 800.877.7195 (TTY: 800.428.4833). For more details, view the VSP Vision Benefits Summary [PDF].
Contributions
Most premiums are paid through pre-tax payroll deduction. Your monthly contributions listed below are based on the 12-month calendar year. Actual deductions from each paycheck will vary depending upon your deduction cycle (weekly or semi-monthly; academic year or calendar year).
2026 Monthly Contributions
Dental Plan
| Coverage Tier | Preventive | Comprehensive |
|---|---|---|
| Employee Only | $3.35 | $31.49 |
| Employee + Spouse/Domestic Partner | $12.70 | $73.37 |
| Employee + Child(ren) | $14.75 | $72.47 |
| Employee + Spouse/Domestic Partner + Child(ren) | $26.38 | $113.28 |
Vision Plan
| Coverage Tier | Vision |
|---|---|
| Employee Only | $4.72 |
| Employee + Spouse/Domestic Partner | $9.45 |
| Employee + Child(ren) | $10.26 |
| Employee + Spouse/Domestic Partner + Child(ren) | $16.39 |
Submitting a Claim
Participating providers will submit claims on your behalf, and you will pay your share of the cost at the time of your visit. If you use non-participating providers, you may need to pay in full at the time of service and file a claim for benefits.
If you have any questions or need an accommodation to access information on this webpage, please contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042.
Helpful Links
- Dental
- Vision
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this website is accurate. However, the benefits are governed by legal documents (which, in certain circumstances, may include insurance contracts). If there is any difference between the information in this website and the official documents, the official documents will control. As is the case with all of Syracuse University’s employee benefit plans, the University reserves the right to modify or terminate these benefits at any time.