May 24, 2022
Delta Dental's Cost Estimator provides members with a personalized estimate (based on the fee schedule from the last dentist from whom they received service) for an entire dental visit with a specific dentist. It calculates members’ out-of-pocket costs based on their current benefits. Information is updated daily, so members can always count on getting an accurate cost estimate.
This versatile and easy-to-use tool offers members a variety of useful features and information to help them make the most of their benefits and helps them become better informed consumers.
In the tool, clients can choose from a list of common dental procedures. The Cost Estimator then calculates their estimated out-of-pocket cost. The tool subtracts both the network savings and the portion the plan pays.
Other tasks your clients can perform with the Cost Estimator include:
- Adding procedures. If clients need to add services such as a cleaning or x‑rays to their visit, they can add them to their estimate to get the total cost of the visit.
- Comparing dentists. Clients might be curious to see if they’d save by switching to another dentist. The Cost Estimator lets them compare up to five in-network dentists to find the best deal.
- Selecting plan members. Clients can get cost estimates for anyone on their plan, such as spouses and children.
- Reviewing benefits usage. Clients can access the benefits activity and history for everyone on their plan, and can also review their plan’s maximums, deductibles and out-of-pocket limits.
How can the Cost Estimator help my group clients’ bottom line?
The Cost Estimator provides members with transparency about their out-of-pocket costs. More cost transparency can mean fewer questions and less confusion about the value of visiting an in-network dentist. By showing the substantial cost differences between in-network and out-of-network dentist visits, the tool encourages in-network utilization — which can help members save and may help lower group dental plan costs.
Which clients can use the Cost Estimator?
All Delta Dental PPO™ and Delta Dental Premier® groups are eligible to sign up for the Cost Estimator. DeltaCare® USA members receive a plan booklet with their copayments for covered services, so this tool isn’t necessary for DeltaCare USA plans.
If you have group clients that haven’t taken advantage of the Cost Estimator, explain to them the cost-saving benefits of this tool.
How do members access Cost Estimator?
To use the Cost Estimator, members simply click Plan ahead for a visit from the member portal. PPO and Premier members can also access a more limited version of the Cost Estimator through the Delta Dental mobile app, which details in- and out-of-network fees.
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