Dental and Vision

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

The University offers a preventive dental plan, which covers two cleanings per year and other basic services, as well as a comprehensive plan that provides for both basic and major restorative services, including oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics and orthodontics.

Be sure to check out the benefit summaries for both the preventive and comprehensive plans to learn more about the dental coverage and understand the options available to you.

Your enrollment in either of the dental plans includes access to both in-network and out-of-network providers. To maximize your plan benefits, you may want to consider seeking care from an in-network provider. To locate providers in the local or national network, visit excellusbcbs.com/find-a-doctor/dentist and select either Dental Blue Options or National Dental GRID+ Dente Max. For assistance, contact Excellus BCBS at 800.493.0318 (TTY: 800.662.1220) Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST or Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.

Enrollment in a dental option is two-year commitment.  A two-year commitment cycle for the University’s dental and vision plans started Jan. 1, 2025 – Dec. 31, 2026.  Elections you make in calendar years 2025 and 2026 will be in effect through Dec. 31, 2026, unless you experience a qualified life event change.

Vision Plan

Vision benefits are provided through VSP and is a standalone benefit offering.  Please note the following:

You can use any licensed dentist or optometrist, but you will keep your out-of-pocket costs lowest if you use participating providers for your dental and vision care. VSP’s network is primarily independent doctors of optometry, but the network does include some retail chains. If you choose to use a non-VSP provider, your coverage is limited. To find a list of participating providers in your area, you can search online on the VSP website or call 800.877.7195 (TTY: 800.428.4833).

Your Cost

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).

Dental and Vision Monthly Contributions for 2025

Dental Plan

Coverage TierPreventiveComprehensive
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 TierVision
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.

Should you have any questions, or require accommodations to access any information on this webpage, please reach out to HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042.

Helpful Links


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.