Out of Network Dental Insurance & Frequently Asked Questions
Providers that are out-of-network are those that do not participate in that Dental plan's network. The provider is not contracted with the Dental insurance plan to accepted negotiated rates. This means that patients will typically pay the full amount for the service they receive.
Please note that this change does not prevent a patient from seeking care at a College of Dentistry clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my insurance no longer considered in-network?
A business decision was made by college leadership to no longer accept certain Dental insurance policies. Effective as early as August 9, 2024 patients that have a non-participating Dental insurance policy will be considered self-pay. This means the patient will be responsible for submitting a dental claim to their Dental insurance provider for any services provided at a College of Dentistry clinic.
How will this affect me?
UK Dentistry will no longer be contracted with the following Dental Insurance plans effective on the dates below. This means UK Dentistry clinics will now be considered an out-of-network provider with your dental policy.
August 9, 2024
- Anthem Dental
- BCBS Dental Plans from the GRID or GRID+ Network
- Avesis Dental through Wellcare Medicare Advantage Plans
- DentaQuest through Caresource
- DentaQuest through Essence Medicare Advantage
- DentaQuest, The Dental Care Plus PPO
- Guardian Dental
- Humana Dental
- TeamCare Dental
- Liberty Dental
- UNUM Always Care Dental
August 22, 2024
- MetLife Dental
What does it mean to be out-of-network?
Being out-of-network means UK Dentistry will not have a contractual agreement with your policy. This means we will not accept negotiated rates from non-contracted plans, and you may pay more or the full amount for dental services provided with UK Dentistry. Your policy may not provide out-of-network benefits. To find out if your plan offers out-of-network benefits, please contact your policy. Please see the back of your card for the member services phone number.
What will I have to pay if my dental plan is not contracted with a UK Dentistry clinic?
Payment will be required in full at the time of service for any non-contracted plan(s). As UK Dentistry is cashless, please bring a card, check, or money order for payment. For amounts totaling $500 or more, UK Dentistry offers a third-party financing option patients may consider through Lending Club Patient Solutions. Further information for Lending Club Patient Solutions can be found on their website at www.lendingclub.com/patient-solutions or at (800) 630-1663. Any dollars remaining from a payment as credit will not be refunded if other self-pay balances are on file with UK Healthcare or if there are any pending claims with UK Healthcare.
How do I find out what my dental plan will cover for my planned dental treatment?
For dental plans not contracted with UK Dentistry, patients will need to inquire about policy coverage and benefits by contacting their dental insurance provider directly. UK Dentistry will not be able to provide information on coverage details. Patients may use the treatment plan of services provided by UK Dentistry to inform this discussion with their dental insurance provider. The treatment plan will include the dental codes and treatment description to supply to your insurance plan.
How can my claim get submitted to my dental policy?
Most insurance companies will allow you to file a claim online or through a mobile app, by phone with one of their agents, or by filling out a claims form and sending to them via email or fax. Contact your Dental insurance company. They should be able to walk you through the submission process.
How will this affect me if I have an existing, signed financial estimate with UK Dentistry?
Any signed financial estimates for established patients in active or continuous treatment will be honored for 30 days from signed treatment plan.
Whom can I contact with further questions?
If you are an existing patient, you can contact the clinic in which you are seen with questions. Our general line is (859) 323-DENT (3368). Please see our website for further information including direct phone numbers to specific clinics at dentistry.uky.edu/patient-care/locations
What plans will UK Dentistry be contracted with come August 9, 2024?
UK Dentistry will continue to be contracted with the following dental plans:
- UK Dental Care
- Delta Dental
- Cigna Dental
- Kentucky Medicaid
- Avesis Medicaid
- DentaQuest Medicaid
- United Healthcare Medicaid
There will be exceptions to some of these such as Delta Care plans via Delta Dental, and Cigna Dental HMO and Open Access plans.
What about Medicare or Medical Insurance policies?
The changes to our contracted dental insurance policies does not impact Medicare or any Medical Insurance plans.
Can I still be a patient?
These changes do not exclude you from seeking dental care from a University of Kentucky Dental clinic.