As you may know by now, Delta Dental is the new dental provider for UUP.
For your convenience, I put together a list of FADQs — Frequently Asked Dental Questions!

When will UUP make the switch to Delta Dental? April 1, 2008.

How will our dental benefits change with Delta Dental? Only for the better. We have added coverage for TMJ, an additional annual cleaning during pregnancy, and we have streamlined the orthodontic reimbursement process. And remember, you continue to be eligible for two cleanings per calendar year at any time during that year.

Will we still be able to visit the dentist of our choice? Yes, the Delta Dental Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) program allows you the freedom to visit any dentist — in or out of the Delta Dental PPO network. However, you should be able to find an in-network dentist with the large number of dentists that participate in the Delta Dental PPO program.

What are the advantages of using a dentist that participates with the Delta Dental PPO network? You will usually pay the lowest amount for services when you visit a dentist in the Delta Dental PPO network. Also, Delta Dental will pay the PPO dentist directly and you will only be responsible for your co-insurance amount. The PPO dentist will complete all claim forms and submit them to Delta Dental for you at no charge.

Is there more than one network? Yes, there are two networks. In addition to the Delta Dental PPO network, UUP members will have access to the Delta Premier network.

What is the difference between the Delta Premier network and the Delta Dental PPO network? Delta Premier dentists charge more that Delta Dental PPO dentists. However, your costs will still be significantly reduced when using a Delta Premier dentist as opposed to going to a dentist out-of-network. Delta Dental will pay the Delta Premier dentist directly and you will only be responsible for your co-insurance amount. Also, the Delta Premier dentist will complete all claim forms and submit them to Delta Dental for you at no charge.

What must I do if my dentist is out of network? You can invite your dentist to join the Delta Dental PPO or Premier network. You can find the “Recommend Your Dentist” form on the Delta Dental
Web site.

Will there be an annual maximum? Yes, the maximum benefit paid per calendar year is $2,500 per eligible member and $2,500 per each eligible dependent. However, and this is very exciting, effective April 1, 2008, you will have a new maximum benefit of $2,500 for the rest of the 2008 calendar year. (The annual maximum includes orthodontia.)

How will that work? For example, if you spent $1,000 from Jan. 1, 2008, to March 31, 2008, effective April 1, 2008, your maximum calendar year benefit would not be reduced from $2,500 to $1,500. You would be able to go back to the $2,500. This will only be offered during 2008.

My son is currently undergoing orthodontic treatment. How will this switch to Delta Dental affect my claim? The last thing UUP wants is to have a member caught in the middle due to a change in dental carrier. Delta Dental will assume responsibility for the portion of all ongoing claims that occur after April 1, 2008. For example, if you have completed 18 months of a 24-month orthodontic treatment, Delta Dental will assume the responsibility for the remaining six months.

I have a daughter who will start orthodontic treatment in June. How will the payment schedule work? Delta Dental’s orthodontic payment process is very simple. At the time of banding (when the braces are put on), you will receive a payment for 50 percent of the contracted amount. And then at the first anniversary of the banding, you will receive the remaining 50 percent.

What is the group number, where do I send the claim forms and what is Delta Dental’s customer service number? The Delta Dental group number is 00165. Claims can be mailed to Delta Dental of New York, One Delta Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. The customer service number is
(800) 471-7093. A representative is available to assist you 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Is there a Delta Dental Web site ? Yes — www.WeKeepYouSmiling.com.

Will I receive any information directly from Delta Dental? You will be receiving an enrollment package in the mail from Delta Dental in addition to an ID card. You’ll also be able to print additional enrollment cards from the Delta Dental Web site.

Can I call the Benefit Trust Fund if I have more questions? Of course. We can be reached at (800) 887-FUND. We look forward to helping you during this exciting change to Delta Dental.

— Doreen Bango, Manager, Member Benefits and Services