Changes coming in Dental Program Processing
A broadcast message to all PHS commissioned officers on the DCP listserv earlier
today has generated a number of questions from our officers. To assist you
in understanding the announcement, we are providing the following additional
information:
At this point it would be premature to speculate on specifics regarding the
announced "changes to the current dental program" prior to receipt
of the ASH’s announcement letter. However, the changes are in regard
to the billing and management of the dental program for all active duty commissioned
officers.
It was determined, per an A-76 Performance Decision, that BMP dental claims processing function could be performed more cost effectively by a commercial dental service provider (S/P).
The dental contract was awarded to United Concordia Companies, Inc. on 1/13/05. The contract was effective as of 1/18/05, at which time the 90 day transition period began. On April 17, 2005 the 90 day transition period ends.
It can be stated with confidence that the following will not change:
- Officers will receive the same high quality dental care that they received in the past.
- In most cases, officers will continue to access dental care through their current private sector dental provider or the MTF dental clinic of their choice. Officers will not be required to switch to a United Concordia provider.
- Officers will not pay out-of-pocket expenses, co-pays or deductibles.
- Officers will not pay premiums or be balanced billed.
Questions regarding authorization of dental care, definitions of care, the impact on your current dental provider and information to provide your current dentist prior to your next appointment should be answered in the letter from the Acting Assistant Secretary for Health announcing the changes to the current dental program. The announcement letter is expected to be released within the next 10 days.