The Dental Care Plus Group Releases New Updates and Improvements

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The Dental Care Plus Group recently introduced new updates and improvements to provide better ways for their members to access and receive care, including:

  • Find Care
  • Receive Care
    • Providing oral health care to local children
      • Last month, DCPG sponsored and partnered with the Cincinnati Bengals and TeamSmile to provide oral health care to local children along with some fun activities, continuing their mission of Preventistry and improving the oral health of all.
    • Bringing strength through their robust network of providers
      • DCPG continues to represent the largest regional provider network in Southwest Ohio/Northern Kentucky through both their proprietary and DenteMax Plus networks.
      • DCPG continues to enhance their member’s access to quality care; over 40 providers have been recently added to the network in the Cincinnati region.
      • Their network of providers includes over 293,000 access points nationwide.
      • Their partnership with providers benefits members through negotiated discounts balancing access with affordability.
  • Do Business With DCPG
    • DCPG relaxed their Coordination of Benefits guidelines to facilitate a better member and provider experience and make it easier and quicker for claims to be paid.
      • Members no longer need to provide proof of primary or secondary coverage to process claims. DCPG will process based on information contained in the submission of the claim. No more back and forth!
      • Members and providers can expect this update to go-live on June 1, 2022.
  • NAPD State Sheets are live on dentalcareplus.com 
    • The NADP’s annual Dental Benefits Fact Sheets have been released summarizing national and state enrollment data based on 2021 data.
    • The report showed 80 percent of the national population has dental benefits. In line with the national average are Ohioans at 81 percent and 83 percent in Indiana. Comparatively, Kentucky is at 79 percent and Tennessee was at 71 percent.
    • Access state-specific fact sheets below or at dentalcareplus.com:
  • Reminders!
    • Enrollment assistance
      • Be sure to point out to your employer groups that you, as their broker, can assist with enrollment:
        • Additions
        • Terminations
        • Changes
      • DCPG’s Master Application allows the employer/group administrator to grant permission for their broker to assist on page 2. Please discuss your office’s availability to assist with your employer groups when completing this form at point of sale.
    • Avesis partnership
      • The Dental Care Plus Group partners with Avesis to offer quality vision products available to groups of all sizes.
      • Enjoy competitively rated plans as well as multi-year rate guarantees with DCPG’s vision plans. Shelf rates are available and low participation requirements offer flexibility to smaller employer groups.
      • Vision shelf rates to 200, recently reduced rates for new sales by 5 percent, discounted dental rates when packaged together, rate guarantees for 4 years and easy install and administration.
      • You can find NEW updated Avesis group application and enrollment forms on dentalcareplus.com:
    • Updated shelf rates and bonus offerings
      • DCPG’s expanded shelf rates now are available for up to 99 eligible lives and you can earn up to $1,000/group for selling.
      • They have recently lowered rates by 5 percent, which are reflected in the rate sheets HERE for all new sales effective April 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022.
    • Relaxed underwriting guidelines
      • Their updated underwriting guidelines make it even easier for groups to join.
      • Groups can take advantage of their relaxed participation and extended age limits.

Please contact your Cornerstone broker advisor with any questions.

Important Broker Updates from The Dental Care Plus Group and DentaQuest!

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The Dental Care Plus Group/DentaQuest has released a number of updates regarding communications, products, and additional reminders:

  • Increased targeted communication

    • DCPG/DentaQuest are improving the communication processes and tools used by providers and broker partners to deliver a positive experience for their members.
    • Development has begun on a standardized broker reporting package which will give insight and a deep dive into the metrics brokers are most curious about. Look forward to more information coming in 2022.
  • Allowing the migration of groups from HMO to PPO products
    • Did you know DCPG/DentaQuest have multiple PPO options at different price points for groups who wish to move from their current HMO product?
    • While HMO products are not going away, a PPO plan may be a great option for groups whose members want increased flexibility including in- and out-of-network benefits.
    • Groups do not have to wait for their renewal date to migrate. They only ask for a 60-day advance notice to deliver an ideal customer experience.
  • Expanding their team 
    • For the past six months, DCPG/DentaQuest have worked to build a dedicated support team for you and our clients.
    • Recent addition of Jennifer Nevin, Account Manager and Jack Graham , Senior Sales Representative, both of whom are experienced employee benefit professionals
  • Reminders!
    • Updated shelf rates and bonus offerings
      • DCPG/DentaQuest’s expanded shelf rates now cover up to 99 eligible lives and you can earn up to $1,000/group for selling 51 to 99 shelf rated business!
      • They will continue to offer a 5 percent price decrease in shelf rates across the board through December 31, 2022. (This reduction is included in the shelf rates referenced here and on their website.)
    • Relaxed underwriting guidelines and product enhancements
      • Their updated underwriting guidelines make it even easier to qualify for Dental Care Plus Group plans.
      • Groups can take advantage of their relaxed participation guidelines and their extended dependent age limits (no more full-time student requirement).
      • Preventive care charges will no longer accumulate towards their member’s annual maximum for all new business sales. They are excited to offer this benefit as a differentiator and to uphold our corporate mission of Preventistry.

Contact your Cornerstone representative with any questions.

Earn More with The Dental Care Plus Group’s Quarter 2 Broker Bonus!

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Sell more to earn more with The Dental Care Plus Group’s second quarter broker bonus program. For each personal dental plan you sell with an enrollment date between April 1, 2022, and June 30, 2022, you will earn an extra bonus on top of your commission:

You Sell

You Earn

1 policy

$25

5 policies

$50

10 policies

$100

20 policies

$200

30 policies

$300

40 policies

$500

50 policies

$1,000

Click here to review the bonus flyer.

Click here to access the DCPG/Cornerstone appointment kit.

The Dental Care Plus Group Assures Operational Improvements for 2022

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Following are a few of the immediate operational improvements that The Dental Care Plus Group is rolling out in 2022 based on broker feedback:

  • Updated shelf rates for easier selling
    • From now through December 31, 2022, DCPG is reducing our current competitively priced Dental AND Vision shelf rates by 5 percent across the board
    • Expanding shelf rates to cover up to 99 eligible lives
    • Earning potential up to $1,000/group for selling!
  • Relaxed underwriting requirements for increased access to care
    • Decreases participation requirements which allows more groups to enroll
    • Extends dependent age limit to age 26 with no student requirement, which enables dependents to stay on the plan longer
  • Improved preventive care benefits for better oral health
    • Preventive care benefits no longer apply to the annual maximum
    • Provides members with access to care without concerns of financial impact in support of DCPG’s mission to improve the oral health of all
  • Expanded team for more dedicated, personal service
    • DCPG recently welcomed industry veteran, Mary Meyer, Director of Growth Strategies who will lead the new business experience improvements for all of their constituents
    • As they continue to grow their team, you can expect to receive more consistent communications and enhanced hands-on consultative services

In Case You Missed This: Dental Care Plus Important Updates

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Please see the latest info from Dental Care Plus as they work diligently to ease the migration issues that popped up along with some good news on the stability of the DCP Network of Dentists.

  • Service lines will now have a dedicated team of people to temporarily assist them (not an employee who works both the Medicaid and Commercial side).
  • Temporarily because once they get through fourth quarter, they will be bringing back the “1 point of contact” approach to all things service and account management. All brokers will know exactly who to go to for 1) sales and 2) ALL OTHER help. Behind the scenes, the assigned rep will then manage all tasks performed and communicate back with the agent. No more “black holes”, etc.
  • Dependents dropping from eligibility, bills, etc is FIXED.
  • The denials that were occurring around crowns, is FIXED as of 10/1.
  • Also not mentioned below, they are currently hiring a Dental Director, a member of the ODA and peer to the dentists who will be their communicator and partner for any and all issues. A big problem in the past is that a lot of issues were being resolved but no one was communicating properly to the network. As rumors flew and communication lacked, dentists threatened to leave the network because they assumed they were being ignored. The fix is now back in place.
  • The rumor of a “mass exodus” is false.  After this week DCP will know exactly who is actually leaving as they must give 60 days notice prior to 1/1 if they intend to leave. Some have announced (or threatened) to leave but DCP has worked diligently with them on their issues and have been successful retaining them.

If you have any questions regarding the recent DCP announcements, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Cornerstone Broker Advisor.

October Updates from The Dental Care Plus Group

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DentaQuest Announces Plans to Combine With Sun Life

DentaQuest has entered into a definitive agreement to combine with Sun Life U.S. in a transaction that will further the company’s mission to improve the oral health of all. This combination will create one of the largest dental benefits providers and administrators in the U.S.

As part of Sun Life U.S., DentaQuest will have a broader provider network and greater strategic and financial flexibility to accelerate growth of its differentiated approach to oral health. DentaQuest’s combination with Sun Life U.S. marks the next logical step in their long-term transformation and will further enhance its many existing capabilities. In recent years, DentaQuest has made a series of strategic decisions (including the acquisition of Dental Care Plus Group) that have accelerated growth and innovation.

Read the full press release here.

2022 Shelf Rates Now Available

Click here to access the 2022 Shelf Rate documents. DCPG now offers a new enhanced plan option based on your feedback – AND – please note that all their shelf rates include:

  • Rate holds or rate decreases for all markets
  • Two-year rate guarantees
  • Bundled discount – 2% off dental if you sell vision

Q4 Broker Bonus – For a Limited Time

DCPG is giving you the opportunity to earn a onetime $15 bonus override per enrolled employee subscriber on ANY fully-insured sold case with 2-49 enrolled employees. This offer is valid for dental sold cases with effective dates of October 1, 2021, through January 1, 2022.

How It Works

  1. Recommend our dental benefits plans to your clients.
  2. Implement a new dental plan (2-49 enrolled employees) with an effective date of October 1 – January 1, 2022.
  3. Earn a one-time $15 bonus override per enrolled employee subscriber. This bonus is on top of your regular bonus and any other applicable sales incentive program.

Remember, every DCPG plan includes:

  • Annual open-enrollment period
  • No benefit waiting periods
  • Fourth-quarter deductible carryover

Terms and Conditions

  • This Broker Bonus Program does not constitute a contract
  • The Broker Bonus Program applies to new business sold with effective dates between October 1, 2021 and January 1, 2022
  • Eligibility is limited to dental groups that are new to DCPG (i.e., not enrolled between July 1 and September 30, 2021) and have 2-49 enrolled employee subscribers
  • All Broker Bonuses will be considered income and fully taxable and subject to applicable withholdings
  • The Broker Bonus Program is offered at the sole discretion of DCPG and can be terminated or modified at any time without notice
  • Bonuses will be paid directly to the writing agent
  • Bonuses equaling $50 or less will be paid through a Visa/AMEX gift card
    Application of programs and determinations of eligibility and payment amounts, if any, will be made by DCPG at our sole discretion, with decisions made by DCPG as final
  • Limited Time Bonuses will be paid as a lump sum within 2 months following the termination of bonus plan.
  • Participation in the Broker Bonus Program constitutes your agreement to the above Broker Bonus Rules

The Dental Care Plus Group Contract Eligibility Adjustments

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Plan Enhancement – Dependent Age – 26

As of January 1st, 2022, the Dental Care Plus Group will roll out a new plan enhancement that will allow all dependents to stay enrolled on their policies without requiring student status verification to age 26. This coverage will be active through the end of the birth month in which the dependent turns age 26.

This enhancement does not impact your current rates and will automatically be applied to your clients’ benefit offering as of January 1, 2022.

DCPG is implementing this enhancement in an effort to:

  • Simplify the administration of plans by aligning with most medical plans,
  • Making it easier for employees by removing the requirement for verifying student status, and
  • Extending coverage for dependents at no additional expense.

What you need to do next:

  • Dependents currently active on the plan will remain on the plan.
    • Any dependents not currently active on the plan need to be re-enrolled via the channels listed below.
  • Distribute this addendum to all eligible employees.

For EDI Groups:

  • Please communicate this change to your third-party administrator. If you or your vendor have any questions, please contact Kaylyn Kaeding at kaylyn.kaeding@greatdentalplans.com
  • Additionally, if your third-party vendor continues to populate the student flag in the EDI file, DCPG will continue to cover those dependents through the end of the birth month in which the dependent turns age 26.

For Standard Enrollment Groups:

  • Changes can be submitted with an enrollment form/change order form for an effective date of 1/1/2022, OR
  • Enroll new dependents via the employer portal with an effective date of 1/1/2022.

For All Groups:

  • DCPG recommends employers speak with their HR consultants and other experts regarding offering a special enrollment period to ensure employees are aware of this enhanced benefit.

Please note, DCPG will continue to enroll dependents on the effective date provided by you.

Contact your Cornerstone representative with any questions.

Important Updates from The Dental Care Plus Group Regarding 2022 Plans

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Expanded PPO Network

DCPG’s PPO network has expanded to include the DenteMax Plus network. Their DentaSelect PPO now offers over 800,000 access points nationwide.

Click here to search for specific provider information.

PPO Available in Cincinnati

Reminder that DCPG can sell their DentaSelect PPO in all markets, including Cincinnati to offer seamless coverage for your clients.

Important Deadline for 1/1 Business

In order to ensure member ID cards for January 1, 2020, groups are in the mail by January 1, DCPG must be in receipt of the group’s complete sold case submission, including employee enrollment forms or enrollment spreadsheet, by:

  • For Groups with 100+ subscribers, Friday, October 15, 2021
  • For all other sized Groups, Thursday, November 11, 2021

Shelf Rates Coming SOON

The 2022 shelf rates for all markets will be released in the next few weeks. Please note:

  • 2022 Shelf Rates will feature:
    • A new enhanced plan option based on your feedback!
    • Two-year rate guarantees!
    • Competitive rates with rate holds in many markets!

Contact your Cornerstone representative with any questions.

Upcoming Process Changes From The Dental Care Plus Group

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Please note DCP will be sharing this information with their employer groups in the next few days and are sharing with their broker partners in advance to ensure they are prepared in the event they receive questions from their groups.

Here is a high-level overview of the upcoming process changes. Please click here for a link to the employer newsletter.

  • EFT Forms
    • DCPG will no longer require or accept EFT forms with sold case paperwork.
    • The newsletter includes instructions for groups to set up their own recurring payments.
    • If you send an EFT form with sold case paperwork, DCPG will send an email to the group with instructions to set up recurring payment.
  • Overdue Accounts
    • The newsletter details the process for groups who are behind in payment.
    • The process will start by the end of the summer.
    • This process will help ensure your commissions to be paid on time.

Contact your Cornerstone representative with any questions.

Preview of Upcoming Group Administrator Communication from DCPG

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The Dental Care Plus Group has made some exciting updates to the employer portal and will be sending the Employer Contact newsletter below to all employer groups early this week. DCPG is providing you with this information in advance in case you receive questions from your clients.

Below is the email to employer groups:

Employer Portal Enhancements

We appreciate your patience as we worked through issues related to our employer portal. We are pleased to announce the following exciting enhancements we have made based on the feedback we received from you:

  • Search Functionality – you can now search for a new member by first name and last name only.
  • Temp ID Card – you can now download a temporary ID card for your employee as they await their permanent card.
  • Invoice Download – you can now download a summary view with a total of all invoices.

Portal Reminders:

  • Your User ID is not your Email Address – if you are unsure of what your User ID is, please contact your account manager.
  • Employer Portal Resources – are available here: https://www.dentalcareplus.com/employers/employer-portal-resources/
  • Invoice Notifications and Portal Registration – only those registered on the employer will receive invoice notification emails.

If you are not yet registered on the employer portal:

Please contact EmployerPortalSupport@greatdentalplans.com or contact your account manager for instructions. 

Coming Soon – New Processes

Please be on the lookout for emails explaining new processes for student verifications, past due premium collection, and EFT recurring payment setup. These will be sent over the next few weeks.

Updated Avesis Enrollment Forms Available

If you have an Avesis vision plan through DCPG, please ensure you have the most current enrollment form:

 

Contact your Cornerstone representative with any questions.

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