Submitted by kittybellyfulloflies t3_zpztjb in vermont
Received letter that my dentist is opting out as in network provider as delta is reducing their reimbursement rates by up to 50%. Have already heard of another local dentist opting out of in network as well. It sounds like a lot of Vermonters have Delta Dental... Maybe sticking with an out of network dentist isn't a huge issue, but sounds like it certainly could be.
I got the same letter. I’m hoping others will have good ideas that I can copy
Delta Dental's coverage sucks too, which has also been frustrating for Dentist offices telling patients that they're going to be fully out of pocket for everything except cleanings.
If it's insurance provided by your employer, maybe talk to coworkers about asking HR to consider switching. Insurance is useless if it can't be used. And you can't trust America's system of " get the work done and find out two months later that nothing was covered."
It sucks because dentists aren’t willing to take a fair rate on their work which Delta works to pay.
This is what is offered to uvm employees I believe. There’s no walking into HR and suggesting they switch… too big of an organization for anyone to give a shit also I’m sure some of the cuts in reimbursement have to do with negotiations with the employer and reductions in the employer contribution side of things. They probably already know they have a shit plan that is essentially un-usable and in all likelihood had a hand in making it that way.
Vermont is the second highest paying state in the country for dentists. They make nearly double the national average of $180,000.
I've had DD since 1982. In fact I had double policies (my spouse and mine) and still had to pay for things that weren't covered well. Their payment rates have never increased with the cost of dental services. It's better than nothing but not by a whole lot. They are the main dental insurance for most all large employers. It's not a viable option to just go talk to HR. It's just another crappy insurance.
That’s crazy. They already under reimburse for everything. For instance, they will only pay 50 percent for ceramic fillings but they pay 80 percent for metal fillings. My dentist says new dentists aren’t even taught to do the old metal fillings anymore as ceramic fillings have been preferred for over 20 years. I needed a new crown once abs they paid $300 toward the $1200 cost
It’s not a fair rate if dentists aren’t willing to take it.
Which given the state’s relative rural status and no in state dental program makes sense.
Eh…so it isn’t robbery if someone doesn’t clean out the bank?
You are a plumber. Someone offers you $20 to do a job that normally you charge $100 for. You tell them to fuck off. Same situation here.
Going to agree to disagree.
Not the same when the materials and work itself are the same as seen nationally yet are jacked up for pricing.
Essentially we shouldn’t be paying the “plumber” $350 for a job that even with materials and labor is at a national average a $200 or less job.
Perhaps who is told to buzz off should be adjusted.
The price you pay a plumber will inevitably be a product of the competition. Vermont is a relatively rural state. Dentists, like physicians are typically more interested in living in urban areas that appeal to college educated professionals. Without increased pay, there is no incentive to move to and practice somewhere more rural. I am not saying there aren't dentists who are going to enjoy what VT has to offer, but there are far more who will enjoy urban life over VT, and you'll need to pay them more to come here. There is a reason why the highest paid physicians live in rural areas.
Vermont also does not have an instate dental school, thus there is not a lot of Vermonters who do decide to go to dental school, and there is no option to stay in your home state if you do.
Vermont also isn't exactly a cheap place to run a business either. Not that it's a bad thing, but it can explain the higher pricing.
Passing the “incentive” to work here shouldn’t come on the backs of those who need basic health care needs. I’m fortunate enough to have insurance and decent health.
There are many in this state that a bill for a $350 filling, let alone a $1600+ crown would be debilitating.
Health care should not be treated like a commodity. It’s a human service.
I would wonder how this model of “incentive” could work for paying others in human service fields?
I’m sure educators, dispatchers, fire fighters, and police all would appreciate that “incentive” as well.
You are more than welcome to petition the state to be the ones to pay for said incentives. All of the above are paid by the state and unlike dentistry there is a huge shortage of above as they are not being paid what they should be paid in VT.
Delta kinda sucks and dentist kinda blow. They sometimes try talking you into things when they're in the market for a new car, it seems.
seanner_vt2 t1_j0viqzo wrote
A few years ago my insurance did the same and my dentist dropped out. I had to find a new one. Took me 15 tries with each one being a new office, cannot use old office info/x-rays/etc. Cost the insurance co. a nice bit of change to cover it. When I was confronted by them on it, I explained if they hadn't changed what was covered, I would have stayed with my old provider. Now they get to pay til I find one I like. Or they can opt to pay what they used to pay.