Delta Dental of Massachusetts Expands COVID-19 Support for Dentists and Employers
New Programs Will Help Ensure Continuity of Dental Care for Massachusetts Residents
As part of its ongoing COVID-19 support efforts, Delta Dental of Massachusetts (DDMA) today announced two new programs to support continued access to dental care during and beyond the pandemic.
The Delta Dental of Massachusetts Provider Advance Payment Program, the first of its magnitude in Massachusetts, will provide critical aid to current, independent dentists and oral surgeons working in DDMA network practices across the state. Through this voluntary program, eligible practices can receive a one-time payment of up to 50 percent of their 2019 average weekly DDMA claims for six weeks. Amounts will vary by practice. DDMA will issue the interest-free advance payments in June and manage the reimbursement through deductions from weekly claims payments beginning in August.
“Every business and industry has been affected by COVID-19, and dentists have been hit particularly hard,” said Delta Dental of Massachusetts President and CEO Dennis Leonard. “The advance payment program will help providers in our network manage cash-flow issues as restrictions are lifted and they work to return to more regular operations. This is one of a number of steps we are taking to support our dentists, and we urge our industry peers to do the same.” To date, DDMA is the only dental insurer in Massachusetts to make this level of commitment to supporting Massachusetts dentists.
The new program follows DDMA’s recent $2M commitment to the Massachusetts Dental Society Foundation’s COVID-19 Recovery Fund, fully funding that effort. The Massachusetts Dental Society has yet to provide information about how or when the funds will be distributed to dentists.
The Delta Dental of Massachusetts Employer Relief Credit, also announced today, will provide Massachusetts businesses that offer fully insured dental coverage through DDMA with a 30% credit on insurance premiums paid to DDMA for April and May. The rebates will come in the form of credits that will reduce these clients’ June premiums.
“The Delta Dental team’s comprehensive response to meeting the needs of multiple stakeholders during this pandemic is impressive,” said John Regan, President and CEO of Associated Industries of Massachusetts. “The programs they’ve put in place address immediate business needs and provide much needed community support.” In April, DDMA made a $150,000 donation to the City of Boston’s Resiliency Fund, and $25,000 contributions to Worcester Community Foundation’s Together COVID-19 Fund and the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts COVID-19 Fund for Pioneer Valley.
“The losses and disruptions caused by COVID-19 are widespread and ongoing,” added Leonard. “As a mission-based nonprofit, DDMA is helping preserve important oral health infrastructure in Massachusetts, and we will continue supporting our employees, providers, clients and members during this very difficult time.”
Contact: media@deltadentalma.com
About Delta Dental of Massachusetts
Delta Dental of Massachusetts (www.deltadentalma.com), the largest provider of dental benefits in the state, is a leader in innovative programs that improve the overall health of members, prevent oral disease and reduce health care costs for employers, groups and individuals. Headquartered in Charlestown, Mass., Delta Dental of Massachusetts, a member of the Delta Dental Plans Association (www.deltadental.com), covers more than 2 million people. Follow us on Twitter (@DeltaDentalofMA), Facebook (www.facebook.com/DeltaDentalMA), and Instagram (@deltadentalofma) and check out the monthly oral health calendar at www.keepahealthysmile.com.