SEATTLE--Responding to the growing need for affordable dental care by more than two million people in Washington state without dental insurance, Washington Dental Service is introducing a new dental access program called Delta Dental Patient Direct.
Delta Dental Patient Direct offers access to a large network of credentialed dentists who have agreed to provide services at pre-set reduced fees covering most types of dental care. Delta Dental Patient Direct offers up to 25 percent savings on many common procedures.
"We are trying to lower the barriers to good oral health by offering an affordable way for people without insurance to get access to dental care," said WDS CEO and President James Dwyer.
"The demand for Delta Dental Patient Direct will continue to grow as more baby boomers move into retirement and face the prospect of having no employer covered benefits, perhaps for the first time in their lives."
For an increasing number of recent retirees and seniors, lack of dental insurance coverage is a major concern. Currently seniors represent about
12 percent of Washington's population with this number projected to climb to nearly 20 percent by 2030. (Office of Financial Management, 2003)
"Unfortunately most people lose their employer covered dental insurance right when they need it most--after retirement," said WDS Dental Director Dr. Ron Inge. "Nearly one in four older adults has severe periodontal disease. They are also at higher risk for oral diseases which can significantly impact overall health including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and poor nutrition."
Delta Dental Patient Direct provides an opportunity to access dental care at lower costs. The program fills an important need not only for retires but also for employees who don't have dental insurance through their employers.
The annual fee for Delta Dental Patient Direct is $89 for individuals and $124 for families with no hidden costs. Because Delta Dental Patient Direct is not insurance, there are no waiting periods, claim forms, maximums or deductibles.
Members pay the dentist directly at the reduced, set fee for immediate savings. Visit www.patientdirect.net for more information or call
(800) 456-5927.
