Delta Dental of Mass. announces next steps for $35M COVID-19 relief plan

Delta Dental of Massachusetts (DDMA) has announced the next phase of its $35 million COVID-19 relief and recovery plan.

The new actions in the insurer's relief and recovery plan focus on benefits to aid practices affected by the pandemic, including providing dental practices an additional $10 payment for each in-person patient visit that occurs between June 1 and August 31. The payment goes above typical reimbursement and can be used for operational costs, including the purchase of personal protective equipment.

The insurer also intends to alter its benefits so that patients with missed appointments due to the COVID-19 pandemic can still complete two preventive visits in one year. The change is pending approval from the Massachusetts Division of Insurance.

Other plan efforts for dental staff and subscribers include the following:

• Subscribers to DDMA who signed up through the Massachusetts health insurance marketplace will receive a 30% credit on premiums for April and May coverage pending approval by the Massachusetts Division of Insurance.
• Employees of DDMA dental offices who lost dental coverage as a result of being laid off or furloughed will be eligible for a free Delta Dental Patient Direct card discount plan.
• DDMA patients who visit a dental office for a preventive cleaning between June 1 and August 31 will receive a free electronic dental toothbrush.