Delta Dental of Arkansas is providing financial assistance to its business clients and network dentists. The Pandemic Relief Credit gives a credit in the amount equal to 100% of the monthly premium billed to Delta Dental’s commercial business clients with dental and/or vision insurance. This premium “holiday” amounts to almost $15 million in credits to more than 4,000 Arkansas business clients.
No action is required from Delta Dental clients. Fully insured and self-insured business customers will see the Pandemic Relief Credit on their July 2020 bill. The bill for July premiums will be $0. However, any outstanding premiums or adjustments for months prior to July or after billing cutoff will be applicable.
“We understand our customers are facing tremendous challenges and want to help them with a premium credit. Delta Dental of Arkansas provides dental and vision insurance to more than 4,000 Arkansas businesses and more than 800,000 Arkansans,” said president and CEO Ed Choate.
“With dental and vision offices closed except for emergencies, our members have not been able to get the care they normally receive. This premium credit is one of many ways we’re working to financially help our customers and communities during this unprecedented time,” said Choate.
In addition to the Pandemic Relief Credit, Delta Dental is helping network dental practices by making $2.9 million in grants available to dental providers as their offices began reopening on May 11. These grants are designed to help dental practitioners offset additional expenses incurred as a result of the Phase I COVID-19 guidelines from the Arkansas Department of Health.
These guidelines require increased use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and additional cleaning and disinfecting of all dental treatment rooms. Each active licensed dentist with a practice in Arkansas who is part of a Delta Dental network can request a $2,500 grant by completing a brief online form. The dentist will need to assign the grant to a dental practice entity by tax identification number.
“We are glad our provider partners are able to reopen their practices and provide much needed dental care and treatment to their patients,” said Choate. “These grants are designed to help dentists offset some of the costs to implement the additional safety measures currently required by the Arkansas Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control guidelines.”
Dentists can begin applying immediately. The application period will run through June 1, 2020. Applications will be reviewed as received, with checks being mailed to dentists soon thereafter. Grant details and applications are available online.
Related Articles
Open Practices Climb from 3.4% to More Than 30%
Delta Dental of Tennessee to Give Dentists $1,000
DDMA Responds to MDS Petition for More Financial Support
