Programs will support members, employers, and dentists as dental practices reopen
JOHNSTON, IOWA (May 29, 2020) — Delta Dental of Iowa is announcing additional relief programs for members, employers, and dentists affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These programs are designed to offer financial assistance as dental offices begin to reopen and premium credits to members who may have had to delay dental and vision care. In addition, members can choose to pay their premium credits forward to support food insecurity issues facing Iowans.
"Companies all over Iowa have stepped up to help their employees, customers, and communities during this time of need," said Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. "We applaud companies like Delta Dental of Iowa and their Foundation for supporting COVID-19 recovery and relief efforts to address the needs of Iowa businesses, individuals, and those affected by food insecurity."
Iowans Helping Iowans — Delta Dental and DeltaVision members with Individual and Family plans will receive a 25 percent premium relief credit for April and May premiums. As an Iowa company, Delta Dental wants to help Iowans in need and give our members the option to make those donations go further. Members can choose to donate their premium relief-credit to The Iowa Food Bank Association, which serves food banks in all 99 Iowa counties and Delta Dental will match members' donations up to $250,000.
"Iowans have a long tradition of taking care of each other," said Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg. "It is refreshing to see companies engaging with their customers to support our community. Significant contributions like this ensure the Feeding Iowa Task Force can continue to successfully address food insecurity faced by Iowans."
Premium Relief Credit for Fully-Insured Employers — For employer customers offering fully-insured dental and vision plans, Delta Dental will provide a 25 percent premium relief credit for April and May premiums to be applied to July premiums.
Reopening Support Payment for Dentists — Delta Dental of Iowa network dentists reopening their practices have additional expenses due to new requirements. A $10 payment will be applied to claims for Delta Dental of Iowa members who have services between May 1 through August 31, 2020. In total, more than $4 million in additional support has been dedicated to Delta Dental network dentists through this program.
"As we move forward with the uncertainty in this next phase of COVID-19, Delta Dental of Iowa members should know with certainty we are here to support them just as we have for the last 50 years," said Jeff Russell, president and chief executive officer of Delta Dental of Iowa. "The last few months have brought significant disruption to our members, employers, and dentists. Delta Dental is focused on providing the tools, resources, and support necessary to actively demonstrate care for our communities."
These support programs are the latest in a series of relief efforts that Delta Dental of Iowa and the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation have implemented over the last two months for dentists and the community.
• The Advance Claims Payment Program was a commitment of up to $10 million for dentists to help with cash flow of their operations through office closures.
• Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation provided 128 Iowa non-profits with a total of $500,000 to support programs addressing food security or vital health services for children and vulnerable populations. Many of these organizations serve as a critical safety net for populations such as older adults, homeless, individuals with disabilities, and communities of color.
• Eighteen community-health and dental centers across Iowa were each awarded $20,000 for a total of $360,000 in COVID-19 response grants from Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation. Funds awarded will help preserve access to care within Iowa's safety net infrastructure during this challenging time for many Iowans.
For more information on Delta Dental of Iowa and COVID-19 support programs offered to members, dentists and Iowa employers, visit deltadentalia.com/coronavirus.
About Delta Dental of Iowa
Delta Dental of Iowa, a not-for-profit health and wellness company, provides dental and vision benefits to more than 1.2 million Iowans. Locally-focused and nationally-networked, Delta Dental of Iowa invests in oral health and wellness projects through the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation and community giving that focus on access to care, prevention, education, and research. Since 2002, Delta Dental has invested more than $42 million to improve the oral health and overall health of Iowans.
Delta Dental of Iowa is a member of the Delta Dental Plans Association, the leading national network of independent dental-service corporations. The Delta Dental member companies provide dental benefits to more than 80 million Americans in more than 141,000 employee groups throughout the country. For more information, visit the website at www.deltadentalia.com.
