Why More Montana Dental Practices Are Taking a Closer Look at HPMPT for Health Benefits for their Employees
For dental practices across Montana, one challenge continues to grow: attracting and retaining great employees while managing the rising cost of health benefits. That's exactly where the Health Professions of Montana Plan & Trust (HPMPT) comes in.
Founded by physicians in 2008, HPMPT was created with a simple mission: provide healthcare employers with innovative, cost-effective group health benefits tailored to the unique needs of healthcare organizations and their teams. Today, the trust serves healthcare-related employers throughout Montana, including dental practices, medical clinics, behavioral health organizations, therapy providers, laboratories, and other healthcare businesses.
To better understand HPMPT, Kris Sweeney, HPMPT’s Account Executive, answers common questions.
Q: For someone who has never heard of HPMPT, who are you?
HPMPT: We are Montana's premier health benefit trust designed specifically for healthcare employers. We were founded by physicians who understood firsthand the challenges medical and dental practices face when trying to provide quality employee benefits while controlling costs. Our focus is helping healthcare organizations offer competitive coverage that supports both employees and employers.
Q: Why are dental practices a good fit for HPMPT?
HPMPT: Dental offices compete for hygienists, assistants, front-office professionals, and other skilled team members. Benefits play a major role in recruitment and retention. Because we focus on healthcare employers, we understand the workforce challenges dental practices face and offer plans designed around those needs. Eligible dental organizations throughout Montana can participate in the trust and gain access to comprehensive benefit options.
Q: What kinds of health benefits are available?
HPMPT: We offer a broad range of benefits, including medical coverage, pharmacy benefits, dental plans, vision plans, and ancillary benefit options such as life, short term and long term disability insurance. Our goal is to give employers flexibility so they can build a package that fits both their budget and their workforce. For employees, that means access to dependable healthcare coverage. For employers, it means offering benefits that help strengthen their overall compensation package.
Q: If a dental practice is interested, what's the application process like?
HPMPT: We've worked to make the process straightforward. It begins with a group census, basic business information, and a very short health statement. Once eligibility is confirmed, we provide plan options and rates. After the employer selects a plan, enrollment documents are completed and coverage can begin on the approved effective date. Most groups can move from review to enrollment in approximately one month, depending on how quickly required information is submitted.
Q: Is HPMPT only for large organizations?
HPMPT: Not at all. Many healthcare employers are small businesses. Groups need at least two eligible individuals enrolled, and employers must contribute at least 50% of the employee premium. Those requirements help ensure the long-term stability of the trust while making coverage accessible to qualifying practices. For many dental practices, that means they can access a health plan structure that may not otherwise be available through traditional approaches.
The Bottom Line
Health Professions of Montana Plan & Trust is more than a health plan. It is a healthcare-focused benefits trust created by healthcare professionals for healthcare employers. Whether a dental practice has two employees or twenty, HPMPT offers an opportunity to explore comprehensive health benefits through an organization that understands Montana's healthcare community.
For dental practices seeking a competitive edge in recruiting, retaining, and supporting employees, HPMPT may be worth a closer look.
To learn more: www.HPMPT.org
Kris Sweeney, Account Executive
(406) 443-4919 ext. 1
