Understanding Cornell Dental Insurance and Its Features

Cornell Dental Insurance offers a range of features to support your oral health needs.

The plan provides coverage for routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays, as well as more complex procedures like fillings and crowns.

Preventive care is a key aspect of the plan, with no out-of-pocket costs for services like fluoride treatments and dental sealants.

You can also customize your coverage to fit your needs, with options for adding vision or hearing benefits.

You'll receive an ID card in the mail after enrolling in the dental plan, or you can print one online at metlife.com/my/benefits under "My Accounts".

To verify coverage, your dentist can call MetLife's automated Computer Voice Response system at 1-877-MET-DDS9, providing either your Cornell Employee ID number or Social Security Number.

Dental insurance coverage is provided by Delta, with two plans available: Delta Care USA ($18.39/month) and Delta Dental PPO plus Premier ($54.04/month).

Your existing dental insurance coverage will be maintained during the leave period if you continue to pay the employee share of the premium.

PayFlex is the company that bills for Cornell's insurance coverage, and they will bill you on a monthly basis.

The first bill will include all premiums due from your start date in leave without pay status through the current coverage period.

If you wish to cancel coverage while on leave without pay, or have any questions on the billing process, please contact Benefit Services at (607) 255-3936.

You'll receive a dental plan ID card in the mail after enrolling in the MetLife Preferred Dentist Program (PDP).

You can also print an ID card online by registering on metlife.com/my/benefits under "My Accounts", where you can also view claims and coverage details.

Don't worry if you lose your ID card - you don't need to present it to confirm eligibility.

However, it's a good idea to let your dentist know you're enrolled in the PDP so they can verify your coverage through MetLife's automated Computer Voice Response system by calling 1-877-MET-DDS9.

Your dentist will need to provide either your Cornell Employee ID number or Social Security Number to verify coverage.

When choosing a dental plan, it's essential to understand your options. Dental insurance coverage is provided by Delta, offering two plans: Delta Care USA and Delta Dental PPO plus Premier.

The DHMO plan, Delta Care USA, costs $18.39 per month, making it a more affordable option for those on a budget.

If you need more comprehensive coverage, the PPO plan, Delta Dental PPO plus Premier, may be the better choice, costing $54.04 per month.

You can view the Benefit Summaries for each plan by clicking on the plan titles: Delta Care USA and Delta Dental PPO plus Premier.

The PPO Certificate of Coverage can be found online for further reference.

Open enrollment for the dental plan takes place at the start of your program or in May each year, with an effective date of July 1st.

Delta Dental offers two main plans: DeltaCare USA and Delta Dental PPO plus Premier. DeltaCare USA has lower monthly rates, starting at $18.39 for a student-only plan.

The rates for DeltaCare USA increase with the addition of family members, up to $56.68 for a family plan. Delta Dental PPO plus Premier, on the other hand, has higher monthly rates, starting at $54.04 for a student-only plan.

DeltaCare USA plans are more budget-friendly, especially for students, while Delta Dental PPO plus Premier offers more comprehensive coverage for a higher price.

Here's a breakdown of the monthly rates for both plans:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day, in the morning and before bed, to remove plaque and bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease.

Proper brushing technique is essential, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and gently brushing all surfaces of your teeth for two minutes.

Flossing once a day helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and under your gumline, where a toothbrush can't reach.

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are crucial to prevent and detect oral health issues early on.