Delta Dental of Arizona Announces Advance Payment Program to Aid Dental Practices Amid COVID-19
Ensuring access to oral healthcare remains a priority for Arizona’s top dental insurer
GLENDALE, Ariz. (March 31, 2020) — In an effort to support its front-line partners in protecting Arizonans’ oral health, Delta Dental of Arizona is offering claims advances to network dentists affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The newly launched Advance Claim Payment Program will allow Arizona dental offices to receive an advance of up to $50,000 from the dental insurance company.
“We are committed to ensuring Arizonans can receive the oral health care and services they need. This program should help our network dental offices experiencing cash flow concerns to continue to provide essential oral health services during this turbulent time and into the future,” said Allan Allford, CEO of Delta Dental of Arizona.
During the week of March 16, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Dental Association recommended that dentists postpone elective procedures, surgeries and non-urgent dental visits to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). On March 19, Governor Doug Ducey issued an executive order temporarily stopping non-essential and elective medical and dental surgeries within the state of Arizona.
In Arizona, most dental practices are small businesses—many of which are closed or providing limited services during the COVID19 crisis. These disruptions will have a significant impact on these businesses and their employees and could result in permanent closures of some practices, ultimately decreasing Arizonan’s long-term options for access to care.
In addition, Delta Dental of Arizona is working to provide flexibility and leniency to employer group clients struggling to maintain coverage for their employees due to business closures or disruptions from COVID-19.
“These are unprecedented times, and it’s important that Arizonans have continuous oral health care coverage and access to emergency dental services as necessary,” Allford said. “We know that dental offices may continue to provide limited treatment during COVID-19, particularly emergency examinations via some form of teledentistry. And when we are past this crisis, there will be considerable need for care that was postponed. Studies show that adults with dental coverage are twice as likely to see a dentist than uncovered adults. Adults who visit the dentist regularly have better oral and overall health, so continuous coverage is a priority.”
Delta Dental of Arizona clients with specific questions about their coverage should reach out to their assigned Delta Dental account executive.
About Delta Dental of Arizona
Delta Dental of Arizona is the leading dental benefits provider in Arizona, serving more than 1.2 million enrollees and more than 3,500 contracted dentists across the state. Passionate about oral health and its importance to generations of families, Delta Dental of Arizona has worked for more than 45 years to improve oral health by emphasizing preventive care and making dental coverage accessible to a wide variety of employers, groups and individuals. Since 2010, Delta Dental of Arizona, through its Foundation, gave $7 million to support oral health education and disease prevention programs for underserved and uninsured communities across the state. For more information about Delta Dental of Arizona, visit www.deltadentalaz.com.