Archive for April, 2011

Always Care California Dental Plan Limitations and Exclusions

Saturday, Apr. 30th 2011 6:22 AM

Applicant’s Statements and Agreements:  1. I understand that the effective date of the policy will be the date recorded in the Policy Schedule of Benefits by the Company.  2. I understand the policy I am applying for contains different Waiting Periods for certain benefits listed in the Policy Schedule of Benefits. This means that no benefits are payable during the listed Waiting Period. The Waiting Period begins on the effective date of coverage.  3. I understand that dependent children, if any, will be covered until the end of the month following their 19th birthday (24th if full-time students).  4. I understand that: (a) Starmount Life Insurance Company is not bound by any statement made by me, the applicant, or any associate/agent of Starmount Life Insurance Company unless written herein. (b) The associate/agent cannot change the provisions of the policy or waive any of its provisions either orally or in writing. (c) The policy together with this application, endorsements, benefit agreements and riders, if any, is the entire contract of insurance. (d) No change to the policy will be valid until approved by Our president and secretary, and noted in or attached to the policy.

5. I acknowledge receipt of, if applicable:Outline of Coverage.

Authorization to Obtain Information: I authorize the following to give information (defined below) to Starmount Life Insurance Company or any person or group acting on their part: any medical professional, any medical care institution, insurer, reinsurer, government agency, or employer. “Information” means facts of a medical nature in regard to my physical or mental condition, employment, or other insurance coverage. I understand that this information will be used by Starmount Life Insurance Company to determine eligibility for insurance and may be used to evaluate a claim for benefits during the time it is valid. I agree that this authorization is valid for 30 months from the date signed. I know that I have a right to receive a copy of this authorization upon request. I agree that a copy of this authorization is as valid as the original.

Please Note : California law prohibits an HIV test from being required, DISCLOSED or used by health insurance companies as a condition of obtaining health insurance cove rage .

I understand that the premium amount listed on this application represents the premium amount that either my employer will remit to Starmount Life Insurance Company on my behalf, or I will remit directly to them. I further understand that this amount, because of my employer’s billing/payroll practices, may differ from the amount being deducted from my paycheck or the premium amount quoted to me by my associate/agent. I also understand that if I am receiving any Medicaid benefits, the purchase of this coverage may not be necessary. If I am applying to replace existing coverage with this policy, I acknowledge that the policies may have different benefits and that I should make a comparison to personally determine which is best for me. I understand and agree that I am terminating my current policy and its benefits for the benefits provided in the Starmount Life Insurance Company Policy. I have read, or had read to me, the completed application, and I realize policy issuance is based upon statements and answers provided herein, and they are complete and true to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that any person who knowingly presents a false or fraudulent claim for payment of a loss or benefit or knowingly presents false information in an application for insurance is guilty of a crime and may be subject to fines and confinement in prison.

Posted on Saturday, Apr. 30th 2011 6:22 AM | by Share of Cost | in Share of Cost | 1 Comment »

AlwaysCare One Plus PPO Dental Value Plan in California

Friday, Apr. 29th 2011 6:21 AM

Reviewing the AlwaysCare One Plus PPO Dental Value Plan $1000 Max Benefit underwritten by Starmount Life Insurance Company for Adults (ages 19 to 64). This dental plan offers individual and family dental benefits. Family coverage includes the insured; the insured’s spouse; including and dependent, unmarried children to age 26. One-parent family coverage includes the insured and dependent, unmarried children to age 26. Newborn children are automatically covered from the moment of birth. The dental insurance plan offers you a free choice of network dentists.

Your savings are in place when you visit your dentist so you just show up for your dental appointment and make your co-payment – what could be easier? There is no waiting period for your preventive services to start. Please review the dental benefits paid by the insurance company below and see how easy it is for you or your entire family to enjoy these quality dental services. Just a reminder your mail-in application and payment must be received on or before the 20th of the month prior to the following month’s coverage effective date.

Posted on Friday, Apr. 29th 2011 6:21 AM | by Share of Cost | in Share of Cost | No Comments »

Madison Nation Life Insurance Company Offers Dental Insurance With ShareOfCost.com

Thursday, Apr. 28th 2011 6:12 AM

Madison Nation Life Insurance Company Offers Dental Insurance With ShareOfCost.com — Consider the Indemnity Value Dental Insurance Plan $500 Maximum Benefit Underwritten by Madison National Life Insurance Company, Inc. This dental insurance plan offers dental benefits for individuals and families. A family membership covers the applicant, spouse, and your dependent children ages 25 or younger. The dental insurance plan offers your choice of dentist and you can change your dentist anytime by notifying the company. Your savings are in place when you visit your dentist so you just show up for your dental appointment and make your co-payment – what could be easier? Dental health care and orthodontic coverage is included for dependent children.

There is no waiting period for your preventive services to start. Please review the dental benefit co-payments below and see how easy it is for you or your entire family to enjoy these quality dental services. Just a reminder your online request must be processed on or before the 20th of the month prior to the following month’s coverage effective date.

Posted on Thursday, Apr. 28th 2011 6:12 AM | by Share of Cost | in Share of Cost | No Comments »

Pacific Care Dental Plan, California Plan Limitations and Exclusion

Wednesday, Apr. 27th 2011 6:07 AM

The orthodontic benefit covers: consultation, all necessary appliances, banding, and monthly office visits for 24 months. Specific co-payment levels have also been set for start-up and retention services.  Orthodontic treatment must be provided by a Panel Orthodontist. A referral must be submitted by the assigned general dentist and approved by the Plan. Rates and coverage’s subject to change without notification.

LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSION:

ARBITRATION: The Plan uses binding arbitration to resolve any and all disputes between the Plan and group or member, including, but not limited to, allegations against Plan of medical malpractice (that is an to whether any dental services rendered under the Plan were unnecessary or unauthorized or were improperly, negligently or incompetently rendered) and other disputes relating to the delivery of services under the Plan.

Plan, group and member each understand and expressly agree that by entering into the Plan services group subscriber agreement or enrolling in Plan and agreeing to be bound by the Plan subscriber agreement. Plan, group and member are each voluntarily giving up their constitutional right to have all such disputes decided in a court of law before a jury and instead are accepting the is of binding arbitration. Group and member further contracting provider including but not limited to claims against a Plan contracting provider for medical malpractice are not governed by the Plan subscriber agreement.

However Plan, group and member each expressly agree that the existence of any disputes between group or member and a Plan contracting provider, including but not limited to claims by groups or member against a Plan contracting provider for medical malpractice shall in no way affect the obligation to submit to binding arbitration all disputes between group or member and Plan.

LIMITATIONS: Dentures or partials once every five years and then only when dentures cannot be made serviceable; cleanings once every six months; relines not more than twice per year; full mouth x-rays once every two years; all family members must be assigned to the same dental office; orthodontic treatment must be provided by a member of the Plan Orthodontic Panel.

EXCLUSIONS: Oral surgery requiring the setting of fractures or dislocations; treatment of malignancies, cysts or neoplasms; dispensing of drugs; teeth extracted for orthodontic purposes; cosmetic dentistry; treatment of temporomandibular joint syndrome (tmj); treatment by a specialist.

DISCLOSURE: An application is a request for coverage which if approved by the Plan would then become the enrollment form and would be used to issue an identification card and a Disclosure Form. Upon acceptance of the application by the Plan, your benefits will become effective on the first of the next month. Detailed limitations and exclusions, coverage benefits, co-payments, as well as other services offered, are given in full in the Disclosure Form provided when coverage becomes effective. The Insurance Company always reserves the right to make the final determination with respect to all aspects of this Dental Program.

Posted on Wednesday, Apr. 27th 2011 6:07 AM | by Share of Cost | in Share of Cost | No Comments »

PacifiCare Dental Plan, United HealthCare Providers Plan Review

Tuesday, Apr. 26th 2011 6:03 AM

Regarding the PacifiCare Dental Insurance Plan (Region 1). This dental plan offers individual and family dental benefits. A family membership covers the head of household including spouse, your children 19 years of age or younger and your children up to age 23 if attending school full time. Your online request must be processed on or before the 20th of the month prior to the coverage effective date. This dental plan starts on the 1st of next month if you have enrolled by the 20th of this month. Be sure to leave yourself enough time to mail in your application.

There are no deductibles and no yearly limits on benefits, and there are no claim forms to fill out. Your savings are in place when you visit your dentist. You just show up for your dental appointment and make your co-payment – what could be easier? The dentists must meet the Plan’s standard of quality and service. All have agreed to provide dental care at the low co-payments available only to members. Review the dental benefit co-payments below and see how easy it is for you or your entire family to enjoy these quality dental services.

Posted on Tuesday, Apr. 26th 2011 6:03 AM | by Share of Cost | in Share of Cost | No Comments »

Dental Health Services Dental Plan Limitations and Exclusion

Monday, Apr. 25th 2011 6:01 AM

Dental Health Services Dental Plan Limitations and Exclusion: Summary of Dental exclusions: This is a very brief overview. Please refer to the evidence of coverage before purchasing this dental plan.  The following services are not covered by this dental plan:
A. Services that are not consistent with professionally recognized standards of practice.
B. Services related to implants or attachments to implants.
C. Cosmetic services, for appearance only, unless specifically listed.
D. Myofunctional therapy-procedures for training, treating or developing muscles in and around the jaw or mouth including T.M.J. and related diseases, except for occlusal guard.
E. Treatment for malignancies, neoplasms (tumors) and cysts as well as hereditary, congenital and/or developmental malformations.
F. Dispensing of drugs not normally supplied in a dental office.
G. Hospitalization charges, dental procedures or services rendered while patient is hospitalized.
H. Procedures, appliances or restorations (other than fillings) that are necessary for full mouth rehabilitation, to increase arch vertical dimension, or crown/bridgework requiring more than 10 crowns/pontics. Replacement or stabilization of tooth structure lost through attrition, abrasion or erosion.

Procedures performed by a prosthodontist.
I. Fixed bridges for patients under the age of sixteen, in the presence of nonsupportive periodontal tissue, when edentulous spaces are bilateral in the same arch, when replacement of more than four teeth in an arch, replacement of missing third molars, or when the prognosis is poor.
J. General anesthesia, including intravenous and inhalation sedation.
K. Dental procedures that cannot be performed in the dental office due to the general health and/or physical limitations of the member.
L. Expenses incurred for dental procedures initiated prior to member’s eligibility with Dental Health Services, or after termination of eligibility.
M. Services that are reimbursed by a third party (such as the medical portion of an insurance/health plan or any other third party indemnification).
N. Extractions of non-pathologic, asymptomatic teeth, including extractions and/or surgical procedures for orthodontic reasons.
O. Setting of a fracture or dislocation, surgical procedures related to cleft palate, micrognathia or macrognathia, and surgical grafting procedures.
P. Coordination of benefits with another prepaid managed care dental plan.
Q. Orthodontic treatment of a case in progress and/or retreatment of orthodontic cases.
R. Cephalometric x-rays, tracings, photographs and orthodontic study models.
S. Replacement of lost or broken orthodontic appliances.
T. Changes in orthodontic treatment necessitated by an accident of any kind.
U. Malocclusions so severe or mutilated which are not amenable to ideal orthodontic therapy.
V. Services not specifically covered on the Schedule of Covered Services and Copayments.

Dental limitations: Restrictions on benefits are applied to the following services
A. Treatment of dental emergencies is limited to treatment that will alleviate acute symptoms and does not cover definitive restorative treatment including, but not limited to root canal treatment and crowns.
B. Optional services: when the patient selects a plan of treatment that is considered optional or unnecessary by the attending dentist, the additional cost is the responsibility of the patient.
C. Routine teeth cleaning (prophylaxis) is limited to once every six months and full mouth x-rays are limited to one set every three years if needed.
D. Sealants are only a benefit for permanent posterior teeth of children under the age of eighteen.
E. Covered specialist referrals must be pre-approved by Dental Health Services.
F. Periodontal surgical procedures are limited to four quadrants every two years.
G. There are additional charges for precious/noble metals (gold).
H. Replacement will be made of any existing appliance (denture, etc.) only if it is unsatisfactory and cannot be made satisfactory. Prosthetic appliances will be replaced only after five years have elapsed from the time of delivery. Lost or stolen removable appliances are the responsibility of the enrollee.
I. Relines are limited to once per twelve months, per appliance.
J. Single unit inlays and crowns are a benefit as provided above only when the teeth cannot be adequately restored with other restorative materials.
K. The maximum benefit for all contracted specialty care, excluding orthodontics, is $1,000 per member, per contract year.

Orthodontic exclusions: The following services are not covered by this dental plan
A. Retreatment of orthodontic cases.
B. Treatment of a case in progress at inception of eligibility.
C. Surgical procedures (including extraction of teeth) incidental orthodontic treatment.
D. Surgical procedures related to cleft palate, micrognathia or macrognathia.
E. Treatment related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disturbances and/or hormonal imbalances.
F. Any dental procedure considered within the field of general dentistry,including but not limited to: myofunctional therapy; general anesthetics, including intravenous and inhalation sedation; dental services of any nature performed in a hospital.
G. Orthodontic treatment of a case in progress and/or retreatment of orthodontic cases
H. Cephalometric x-rays, tracings, photographs and orthodontic study models.
I. Replacement of lost or broken orthodontic appliances
J. Changes in treatment necessitated by an accident of any kind.
K. Services which are compensable under worker’s compensation or employer liability laws.
L. Malocclusions so severe or mutilated they are not amenable to ideal orthodontic therapy.

Orthodontic limitations: The following are subject to additional charges
A. Full banded treatments are based on a 24-month standard treatment plan. Additional treatment, or treatment that extends beyond that time may be subject to additional charges. If the contract between the enrollee and Dental Health Services is terminated, service is subject to a pro-rated fee based on current market value for the balance of orthodontic treatment. If the member should terminate coverage, they are no longer eligible for the enrollee orthodontic rate. Should the contract between Dental Health Services and the orthodontist terminate, any Dental Health Services members in treatment would not be subject to proration. Please call your Member Service Specialist at 800.63.SMILE for a referral to the nearest participating orthodontist.

Health plan benefits and coverage matrix: THIS MATRIX IS INTENDED TO BE USED TO HELP YOU COMPARE COVERAGE BENEFITS AND IS A SUMMARY ONLY. THE EVIDENCE OF COVERAGE AND PLAN CONTRACT SHOULD BE CONSULTED FOR A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF COVERAGE BENEFITS AND LIMITATIONS.

Deductibles: None
Lifetime maximums: None.
Professional services – exam & preventive services: No charge for most services.
Full mouth x-rays limited to every three years. Prophylaxis (cleanings) limited to every six months. Sealants limited to permanent teeth to age 18.
Professional services – restorative, crowns, endodontics and oral surgery services: Copayments for fillings, caps, root canals and extractions vary by procedure in the enclosed Schedule.
Professional services – periodontic services: Copayments for gum treatments vary by procedure in the enclosed Schedule. Surgical procedures are limited to four quads every two years.
Professional services – dentures and partial dentures: Copayments vary by procedure and appear in the enclosed Schedule. Replacements limited to every five years. Relines limited to every 12 months.
Professional services – specialty services: Copayments vary by procedure and appear in the enclosed Schedule of Covered Services and Copayments. There is a $1,000 maximum benefit per member, per contract year, excluding orthodontics. See Services when performed by a Dental Health Services specialist.
Outpatient office visits: $4 per visit
Hospitalization services: Not covered
Prescription drug coverage: Not covered
Emergency health services: Not covered
Ambulance services: Not covered
Durable medical equipment: Not covered
Mental health services: Not covered
Chemical dependency services: Not covered
Home health services: Not covered
This dental plan does not provide general anesthesia. Members requiring

Posted on Monday, Apr. 25th 2011 6:01 AM | by Share of Cost | in Share of Cost | No Comments »

Dental Health Services, Share of Cost California Dental Plan Review

Sunday, Apr. 24th 2011 6:59 AM

Dental Health Services, Share of Cost California Dental Plan Review — The Dental Health Services Super SmartSmile HMO Dental Plan. As the subscriber, you may enroll yourself, your spouse (unless legally separated) or your domestic partner, and/or unmarried dependent children who are under 19 years of age. Children 19 years of age and over are eligible if: The child is unmarried and a full-time student solely dependent upon subscriber for support, and is under 23 years of age; or the child is and continues to be both (1) incapable of self-sustaining employment by reason of a mental disability, including but not limited to, mental illness or a physical disability or a combination of those disabilities and (2) chiefly dependent upon the subscriber or member for support and maintenance. There are no deductibles and no yearly limits on most services, and there are no claim forms to fill out. Your savings are in place when you visit network dentist. You just show up for your dental appointment and make your copayment – what could be easier? The dentists must meet the Plan’s standard of quality and service.

All have agreed to provide dental care at a low cost available only to its members. There is no waiting period for your dental services to begin, many pre-existing dental conditions are covered and best of all, the dental plan services start the first day of next month if the company receives your mail-in application by the 10th of this month. Review the sample schedule below and see how easy it is for you or your entire family to enjoy these quality dental services.

Posted on Sunday, Apr. 24th 2011 6:59 AM | by Share of Cost | in Share of Cost | No Comments »

Liberty Dental Plans of California, Share of Cost Review

Saturday, Apr. 23rd 2011 6:53 AM

Here are some of the disclosures to consider when purchasing the Liberty Dental Plan of California: Liberty Dental Plan will activate your benefits on the first of next month if your mail-in application and payment is received in their office by the 20th of this month. Subject to cancellation as provided under this Program, enrollment of Eligible Members and Eligible Dependents* is for a minimum period of one year. Twelve Consecutive Months. All Members and Dependents must use a Dentist within the LIBERTY Dental Plan Network of California Dentists.

All services and benefits under our Dental Plans are covered only if provided by a contracted LIBERTY Dental Plan participating Primary Care Dentist or if referred to a Dental Specialist by LIBERTY Dental Plan. The only time you may receive care outside of the network is for true emergency dental services necessary when you are out-of-the area or cannot contact your Primary Care Dentist or LIBERTY Dental Plan. LIBERTY Dental Plan will reimburse you for true emergency dental treatment expenses up to a maximum of $75.00 per year, less applicable co-payments.

* Base metal is the benefit. Noble metal, high noble metal, titanium alloy and titanium, if used, will be charged to the member at the additional lab cost of the noble metal, high noble metal, titanium alloy or titanium. Exception: Implants and all services associated with implants are listed at the actual member co-payment amount. No additional fee is allowable for noble metal, high noble metal, titanium alloy or titanium for implants and procedures associated with implants.

Resin, porcelain and any resin to metal or porcelain to metal crowns and pontics are a benefit on anterior (teeth numbers 6-11, 22-27), first bicuspid (teeth numbers 5, 12, 21, and 28) and second bicuspid (teeth numbers 4, 13, 20, and 29) teeth only. The member will be charged the additional lab cost to add resin or porcelain to all molar (teeth numbers 1-3, 14-19, 30-32) crowns and pontics. Exception: Implants and all services associated with implants are listed at the actual member co-payment amount. No additional fee is allowable for resin or porcelain for procedures associated with implants.

The maximum amount chargeable to the member to upgrade to resin or porcelain on molar teeth (teeth number 1-3, 14-19, 30-32) and/or upgrade to noble metal, high noble metal, titanium alloy or titanium is $250.00

** Amalgam fillings are benefits on molar and bicuspid teeth (teeth numbers 1-5, 12-21, 28-32). If the member upgrades to a resin-based composite filling, they will pay the additional co-payment listed for these procedures (D2391-D2394).

*** Covered benefit only when in conjunction with covered oral surgery and pedodontic procedures when dispensed in a dental office by a practitioner acting within the scope of his/her licensure; and when warranted by documented conditions that local anesthetic is contraindicated. General anesthesia, as used for dental pain control, means the elimination of all sensations accompanied by a state of unconsciousness. Patient apprehension and/or nervousness are not of themselves sufficient justification for deep sedation/general anesthesia or intravenous conscious sedation/analgesia.

LIBERTY Dental Plan will arrange for you to receive services from a Contracted Dental Specialist if the necessary treatment is outside the scope of General Dentistry. Your General Dentist will initiate the referral process with LIBERTY Dental Plan. The proper referral process must be utilized for specialty services to be covered under your plan. X-rays for diagnostic purposes are benefits in the General Dentist’s office only.

Limitations

(1) Prophylaxis are covered once every six consecutive months. (2) Full Mouth X-rays are limited to once every 36 consecutive months. (3) Fluoride Treatments are covered once every 6 consecutive months, up to the 18th birth date. (4) Sealants are covered only on the first and second permanent molars and up to the 14th birth date. (5) Crowns, Jackets, Inlays and Onlays are benefits on the same tooth only once every five years, and consistent with professionally recognized standards of dental practice. (6) Replacement of existing Full and Partial Dentures are covered once per arch every 5 years, except when they cannot be made functional through reline or repairs. (7) Denture Relines are covered twice per year, and only when consistent with professionally recognized standards of dental practice. (8) Any routine dental services performed by a Primary Care Dentist or Specialist in an inpatient/outpatient hospital setting, under certain circumstances, will be considered for coverage.

Exclusions

(1) Any procedure not specifically listed as a Covered Benefit. (2) Replacement of lost or stolen prosthetics or appliances including crowns, bridges, partial dentures, full dentures, and orthodontic appliances. (3) Any treatment requested, or appliances made, which are either not necessary for maintaining or improving dental health, or are for cosmetic purposes unless otherwise covered as a benefit. (4) Procedures considered experimental, treatment involving implants or pharmacological regimens (See “Independent Medical Review” on page 5). (5) Oral surgery requiring the setting of bone fractures or bone dislocations. (6) Hospitalization. (7) Out-patient services. (8) Ambulance services. (9) Durable Medical Equipment. (10) Mental Health services. (11) Chemical Dependency services. (12) Home Health services. (13) General anesthesia, analgesia, intravenous/intramuscular sedation or the services of an anesthesiologist. (14) Treatment started before the member was eligible, or after the member was no longer eligible. (15) Procedures, appliances, or restorations to correct congenital, developmental or medically induced dental disorder, including but not limited to: myofunctional(e.g. speech therapy), myoskeletal, or temporomandibular joint dysfunctions (e.g. adjustments/corrections to the facial bones) unless otherwise covered as an orthodontic benefit. (16) Procedures which are determined not to be dentally necessary consistent with professionally recognized standards of dental practice. (17) Treatment of malignancies, cysts, or neoplasms. (18) Orthodontic treatment started prior to member’s effective date of coverage. (19) Appliances needed to increase vertical dimension or restore occlusion. (20) Any services performed outside of your assigned dental office, unless expressly authorized by Liberty Dental Plan, or unless as outlined and covered in “Emergency Dental Care” section.

Orthodontic Exclusions

(1) Lost, stolen or broken appliances. (2) Extractions for orthodontic purposes, (will not be applied if extraction is consistent with professionally recognized standards of dental practice or arises in the context of an emergency dental condition). (3) Temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) surgical orthodontics. (4) Myofunctional therapy. (5) Treatment of cleft palate. (6) Treatment of micrognathia. (7) Treatment of macroglossia.

The California Department of Managed Health Care is responsible for regulating health care service plans. If you have a grievance against your Health Plan, you should first telephone your Health Plan at 1-888-703-6999 and use your Health Plan’s grievance process before contacting the Department. Utilizing this grievance procedure does not prohibit any potential legal rights or remedies that may be available to you. If you need help with a grievance involving an emergency, a grievance that has not been satisfactorily resolved by your Health Plan, or a grievance that remained unresolved for more than 30 days, you may call the Department for assistance. You may also be eligible for Independent Medical Review (IMR). If you are eligible for IMR, the IMR process will provide an impartial review of medical decisions made by a Health Plan related to the medical necessity of a proposed service or treatment, coverage decisions for treatments that are experimental or investigational in nature and payment disputes for emergency or urgent medical services. The Department also has a toll-free telephone number (1-888-HMO-2219) and a TDD line (1-877-688-9891) for the hearing and speech impaired. The Department’s Internet web site http://www.hmohelp.ca.gov has complaint forms, IMR application forms and instructions online.

Posted on Saturday, Apr. 23rd 2011 6:53 AM | by Share of Cost | in Share of Cost | No Comments »

California Dental Network Plan Exclusions and Limitations

Thursday, Apr. 21st 2011 6:47 AM

California Dental Network Plan Exclusions and Limitations: An Enrollment Application is a request for coverage, which, if approved by California Dental Network, becomes the enrollment form used to issue an identification card and Combined Evidence of Coverage and Disclosure Form. All benefits, limitations and exclusions are stated in full in the Combined Evidence of Coverage and Disclosure Form which is provided when coverage becomes effective. Members will have 30 days from receipt of the Combined Evidence of Coverage and Disclosure Form to cancel their enrollment and receive a full refund of their premiums if they have not utilized the Plan. You may obtain a copy of the Combined Evidence of Coverage and Disclosure Form from their Corporate Office before you enroll.

Limitations (1) Prophylaxis (cleaning) is limited to once every six months. (2) Fluoride treatment is covered once every 12 months for Members up to age 14. (3) Bitewing x-rays are limited to one series of four films every 12 months. (4) Full mouth x-rays are limited to once every 24 months. (5) Sealants are covered for Members up to the age of 14 and are limited to permanent first and second molars. (6) Periodontal treatments (subgingival curettage and root planing) are limited to one treatment per quadrant in any 12-month period. (7) Fixed bridgework will be covered only when a partial cannot satisfactorily restore the case.(8) Replacement of partial dentures is limited to once every five years. (9) Full upper and/or lower dentures are not to exceed one each in any five-year period. (10) Denture relines are limited to one per arch in any 12-month period.

Exclusions (1) General anesthesia, analgesia (nitrous oxide), intravenous sedation, or the services of an anesthesiologist. (2) Treatment of fractures or dislocations; congenital malformations; malignancies, cysts, or neoplasms; or Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ). (3) Extractions or x-rays for orthodontic purposes. (4) Prescription drugs and over the counter drugs. (5) Any services involving implants or experimentalprocedures. (6) Any procedures performed for cosmetic, elective or aesthetic purposes. (7) Any procedure to replace or stabilize tooth structure lost by attrition, abrasion, erosion or grinding.

Not all general dentists are capable of performing each of the services listed herein and, based upon the Member’s condition, certain procedures may not be within the scope of practice or ability of a general dentist. In such cases, the general dentist will refer the Member to a California Dental Network participating dental specialist, who will give the Member a 30% discount from their regular fees during the first year of enrollment, and a 50% discount thereafter, for up to $1,000 in services per year. The ratio of premium costs to health services paid, for plan contracts with individuals and groups of 25 or fewer members, during the preceding fiscal year was 0%. * UCR means the dentist’s or specialist’s Usual, Customary & Reasonable fees. # Member is responsible for the payment shown plus the actual lab cost of gold. Orthodontists may charge Members additional fees for costs of cases over 24 months, based on the differences in UCR fees for the needed treatment periods less the UCR fees for a 24-month treatment period.

The California Department of Managed Health Care is responsible for regulating health care service plans. If you have a grievance against your Health Plan, you should first telephone your Health Plan at 1-714-479-0777 or toll-free 1-877-4-DENTAL and use your Health Plan’s grievance process before contacting the Department. Utilizing this grievance procedure does not prohibit any potential legal rights or remedies that may be available to you. If you need help with a grievance involving an emergency, a grievance that has not been satisfactorily resolved by your Health Plan, or a grievance that has remained unresolved for more than 30 days, you may call the Department for assistance. You may also be eligible for an Independent Medical Review (IMR). If you are eligible for IMR, the IMR process will provide an impartial review of medical decisions made by a Health Plan related to the medical necessity of a proposed service or treatment, coverage decisions for treatments that are experimental or investigational in nature and payment disputes for emergency or urgent medical services. The Department also has a toll-free telephone number (1-888-HMO-2219) and a TDD line (1-877-688-9891) for the hearing and speech impaired. The Department’s Internet Web site http://www.hmohelp.ca.gov has complaint forms, IMR application forms and instructions online.

Posted on Thursday, Apr. 21st 2011 6:47 AM | by Share of Cost | in Share of Cost | 1 Comment »

Share of Cost Dental Plans, California Dental Network

Wednesday, Apr. 20th 2011 6:44 AM

Share of Cost Dental Plans, California Dental Network:  Here is some information on the California Dental Network HMO Dental Plan 411. This dental plan offers individual and family dental services to eligible residents in the household, including their lawful spouse and dependent children. Dependents shall also include all unmarried children under the age of 19 who are chiefly dependent on the subscriber for support and maintenance. Extension of eligibility may be made up to the age of 23 years for unmarried children who are principally dependent upon the subscriber and are registered students in regular, full-time attendance at an accredited school, college, or university (subscriber will be required to submit evidence of full-time status). There are no deductibles and no yearly limits on services, and there are no claim forms to fill out. Your savings are in place when you visit network dentist. You just show up for your dental appointment and make your co-payment – what could be easier?

The dentists must meet the Plan’s standard of quality and service. All have agreed to provide dental care at a low cost available only to its members. There is no waiting period for your dental services to begin, pre-existing dental conditions are covered. A reminder your mail-in application must be received by the company on or before the 20th of the month prior to the following month’s coverage effective date. Review the sample schedule below and see how easy it is for you or your entire family to enjoy these quality dental services.

Posted on Wednesday, Apr. 20th 2011 6:44 AM | by Share of Cost | in Share of Cost | No Comments »

Lifestyle Training May Reduce Pain Of Heartburn, Suggests Study

Monday, Apr. 18th 2011 6:24 AM

Patients with the condition commonly known as heartburn may benefit from lifestyle interventions rather than just medication, suggest researchers in this month’s British Journal of General Practice (BJGP).

Posted on Monday, Apr. 18th 2011 6:24 AM | by Share of Cost | in Share of Cost | No Comments »

Link Between Cough And Reflux Studied With New Sound Recording Device

Saturday, Apr. 16th 2011 6:24 AM

Coughing episodes are closely related to gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in patients who experience chronic cough, irrespective of other diagnoses, according to a new study in Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute. Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the acid contents of the stomach back up, or reflux, into the esophagus.

Posted on Saturday, Apr. 16th 2011 6:24 AM | by Share of Cost | in Share of Cost | No Comments »

Patients Living With Gerd Now Have A New Treatment Option For Improved And Sustained Symptom Relief

Friday, Apr. 15th 2011 6:24 AM

Takeda is pleased to announce that DEXILANT™ (dexlansoprazole) is now available in Canada. DEXILANT is the first and only proton pump inhibitor (PPI) with a novel DUAL DELAYED RELEASE technology, which delivers two separate doses of medication at different times providing improved and sustained symptom relief throughout the day and night.

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Extremely Obese People More Likely To Die From H1N1 Swine Flu

Thursday, Apr. 14th 2011 6:24 AM

Extremely obese individuals, those with a BMI (body mass index) of over 40, have a significantly higher chance of dying from 2009 A(H1N1) swine flu infection compared to other people, researchers revealed in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases. The scientists gathered data from a public health surveillance database in California and found extreme obesity to be a “powerful risk factor for death”. The authors wrote that half of all patients in California aged at least 20 who were hospitalized with 2009 H1N1 were obese.

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Health And Well-being At Work Under Spotlight At Occupational Psychology Conference

Wednesday, Apr. 13th 2011 6:24 AM

Occupational psychology can help managers, employees and businesses in these challenging economic times. This is one of the key themes at the Division of Occupational Psychology annual conference from 12 January -14 January at the Stratford-upon-Avon Holiday Inn.

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Researchers Find More Evidence That Malaria Drug Could Help Combat Cancer, And That Breaks From Treatment Could Improve Results

Tuesday, Apr. 12th 2011 6:24 AM

Scientists investigating the cancer-fighting properties of artesunate a drug commonly used to treat malaria have found early evidence that combining it with an existing cancer drug has the potential to make each drug more effective than when used alone. They also found that regular treatment breaks could improve success levels. The findings, recently published in the International Journal of Cancer, are the result of tests on human cancer cells studied outside the body (in vitro studies) by Dr Wai Liu and Professor Angus Dalgleish at St George’s, University of London.

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