Sharp Health Plan announces partnership with Delta Dental

Why is Sharp Health Plan partnering with Delta Dental?

Delta Dental is America’s largest dental benefits carrier. Our new partnership will offer members access to a larger network of dentists, as well as enhanced digital tools through Delta Dental’s online member portal and mobile app that connects members with important plan information anytime, anywhere.

Will members be able to keep their dentist?

The majority of members will be able to keep their primary care dentist. However, some members will be assigned a new primary care dentist if their existing dentist is not in Delta Dental’s network. Please note that we are making every effort for these providers to join Delta Dental’s network prior to January.

Can members select a new dentist?

Yes. Once their new coverage begins in January, members will be able to change their primary care dentist online or over the phone. Members can use Delta Dental’s Find a Dentist tool to search for providers in the “DeltaCare USA Network” online. They’ll have to register for an account before selecting a new dentist. They can also call Delta Dental at 1-855-370-4215 to select a new dentist over the phone. Changes requested before the 21st of the month will be effective the first day of the following month. This means members who are assigned a new primary care dentist will have to visit their assigned dentist in January if they need to access care. If they select a new primary care dentist before Jan. 21, they’ll be able to see that dentist beginning Feb. 1, 2021.

What if members want to continue seeing a dentist who isn’t in Delta Dental’s network?

In order to receive their plan benefits, members must see a dentist who is included in Delta Dental’s network. If a member is currently seeing a primary care dentist or specialist who is not in Delta Dental’s network, they can contact Delta Dental at 1-855-370-4215 to request continued care with that dentist when their new coverage begins in January. A member's eligibility for continuity of care will depend on certain factors outlined in the section of their member handbook called, "When Do You Qualify for Continuity of Care." Members can access their member handbook by logging into their Sharp Health Plan online account or by contacting Customer Care.

Will Sharp Health Plan send new member ID cards?

Yes. We will be sending members new ID cards in December 2020. These cards will have Delta Dental’s information printed on the back, including their customer service telephone number. Members will not receive a separate ID card from Delta Dental. All they will need when accessing their pediatric dental benefits in January is their new Sharp Health Plan member ID card.

How will Sharp Health Plan communicate this change to members?

Sharp Health Plan will be sending impacted members a letter in November 2020. This will include information about our new partnership with Delta Dental. It will also let members know that they will be getting a new Sharp Health Plan member ID card in December 2020, and that it will be followed by a welcome letter from Delta Dental. The Delta Dental welcome letter will include information about their primary care dentist.

Who should I contact with questions?

If you have questions, please contact your dedicated account management executive.

Who should members contact with questions?

You can refer employees with questions to sharphealthplan.com/deltadental for more information. They can also contact Customer Care at customer.service@sharp.com or 1-800-359-2002. We are available to assist members Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.

Why is Sharp Health Plan partnering with Delta Dental?

Delta Dental is America’s largest dental benefits carrier. Our new partnership will offer members access to a larger network of dentists, as well as enhanced digital tools through Delta Dental’s online member portal and mobile app that connects members with important plan information anytime, anywhere.

Will members be able to keep their dentist?

The majority of members will be able to keep their primary care dentist. However, some members will be assigned a new primary care dentist if their existing dentist is not in Delta Dental’s network. Please note that we are making every effort for these providers to join Delta Dental’s network prior to January.

Can members select a new dentist?

Yes. Once their new coverage begins in January, members will be able to change their primary care dentist online or over the phone. Members can use Delta Dental’s Find a Dentist tool to search for providers in the “DeltaCare USA Network” online. They’ll have to register for an account before selecting a new dentist. They can also call Delta Dental at 1-855-370-4215 to select a new dentist over the phone. Changes requested before the 21st of the month will be effective the first day of the following month. This means members who are assigned a new primary care dentist will have to visit their assigned dentist in January if they need to access care. If they select a new primary care dentist before Jan. 21, they’ll be able to see that dentist beginning Feb. 1, 2021.

What if members want to continue seeing a dentist who isn’t in Delta Dental’s network?

In order to receive their plan benefits, members must see a dentist who is included in Delta Dental’s network. If a member is currently seeing a primary care dentist or specialist who is not in Delta Dental’s network, they can contact Delta Dental at 1-855-370-4215 to request continued care with that dentist when their new coverage begins in January. A member's eligibility for continuity of care will depend on certain factors outlined in the section of their member handbook called, "When Do You Qualify for Continuity of Care." Members can access their member handbook by logging into their Sharp Health Plan online account or by contacting Customer Care.

Will Sharp Health Plan send new member ID cards?

Yes. We will be sending members new ID cards in December 2020. These cards will have Delta Dental’s information printed on the back, including their customer service telephone number. Members will not receive a separate ID card from Delta Dental. All they will need when accessing their pediatric dental benefits in January is their new Sharp Health Plan member ID card.

How will Sharp Health Plan communicate this change to members?

Sharp Health Plan will be sending impacted members a letter in November 2020. This will include information about our new partnership with Delta Dental. It will also let members know that they will be getting a new Sharp Health Plan member ID card in December 2020, and that it will be followed by a welcome letter from Delta Dental. The Delta Dental welcome letter will include information about their primary care dentist.

Who should I contact with questions?

If you have questions, please contact our IFP sales team.

Who should members contact with questions?

You can refer member clients with questions to sharphealthplan.com/deltadental for more information. They can also contact Customer Care at customer.service@sharp.com or 1-800-359-2002. We are available to assist members Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.