Learn About Important Dental Insurance Changes in 2019

The vast majority of dental insurance policies work on a calendar-year basis. Most of the time, that simply means you have to review your benefits in November or December and make sure you want to stick with the same plan when a new year arrives. However, this year is a little different. A few significant changes are taking place that may affect your policy. Let’s discuss these changes and how you can make sure that your smile continues to have the coverage it needs in 2019 and beyond.

An End to Delta Dental PPO Plus Premier

Beginning in 2019, Oklahoma State employees will no longer have access to Delta Dental PPO Plus Premier coverage. However, this doesn’t mean you’re out of luck if you love the coverage that Delta Dental provides.  Their Delta Dental PPO and Delta Dental PPO Choice plans are still available, and they offer robust coverage that will help you keep your smile in great shape.

With the Delta Dental PPO plan, you are still welcome to visit any licensed dentist. However, choosing a Delta Dental PPO in-network provider maximizes your savings and minimizes your out of pocket costs. Dr. Crowley at Bluff Creek Dental is proud to be a Delta Dental PPO in-network provider and is currently accepting new patients. We would be pleased to welcome you and help you get the most out of your new insurance plan in 2019.

An End to the Tricare Retiree Dental Program (TRDP)

Many retired service members are accustomed to using the Tricare Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) through Delta Dental. This program is ending on December 31, 2018. The good news is that many who had coverage through TRDP will become eligible for the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). The program doesn’t include automatic enrollment, so if you would like your benefits to continue, you have to take advantage of the open enrollment period, which runs from November 12, 2018 – December 10, 2018.

Help with Dental Benefits

We understand that dental insurance can be rather confusing, and that’s why the friendly staff in our office is always ready to answer your questions about your coverage and explain how it relates to your treatment. If you discover that your current plan will no longer be available to you in 2019, and you don’t want to enroll in a different policy, we even offer an alternative that will help keep your dental care costs manageable.

Our in-house savings plan doesn’t come with all of the complex fine print of traditional dental insurance. Rather, for one flat annual fee, you can enjoy basic preventive care at no additional out of pocket cost. You can also receive a significant (20 percent) discount on all other procedures.

Do you have your dental benefits ducks in a row for 2019? Please take some time to figure out your coverage so your smile remains protected throughout the coming year.

About the Author

Dr. Patrick Crowley is proud to serve as your experienced and highly educated OKC dentist. He aims to provide top-quality, compassionate care to all of his patients. To learn more about Dr. Crowley or our practice’s insurance policies or savings plan, contact us at 405-751-5515.