I bought an individual plan. Now what?

Congratulations! By purchasing an individual dental plan, you’ve taken a major step toward protecting both your smile and your wallet. But once the confirmation email hits your inbox, you might be wondering: How do I actually use this?

Here is your step-by-step roadmap to getting the most out of your benefits from day one.

1. The "Golden Rule": check your effective date

Before you pick up the phone to schedule a cleaning, check your Effective Date.

• If you enrolled by the 15th of the month: Your coverage usually starts on the 1st of the following month.

• If you enrolled after the 15th: Your coverage may not start until the 1st of the month after next.

Pro Tip: If you visit the dentist even one day before your plan is active, the insurance company cannot pay the claim. Mark your calendar!

2. Crack the "ID Number" code

In the dental world, your ID number is your "key" to care. At Delta Dental of Tennessee, finding your number works a bit like this:

• The SSN Default: For most individual members, your Social Security Number serves as your Subscriber ID.

• The Alternate ID: Some groups use randomly assigned numbers. If yours does, this unique number will be printed clearly on your ID card.

• A Critical Privacy Note: Due to security regulations, Customer Service Representatives cannot give you your ID number over the phone. Make sure to keep your physical card or your SSN handy when calling your dentist.

3. Navigate the Tennessee Networks (PPO vs. Premier)

When you search for a dentist, you’ll likely see two terms: PPO and Premier.

• Delta Dental PPO™: These dentists offer the deepest discounts. You’ll usually have the lowest out-of-pocket costs here. These are the dentists who participate in our individual plans.

• Delta Dental Premier®: This is the "safety net." While the discounts aren't quite as steep as PPO, it is the largest network in the state, meaning your favorite local dentist is likely a member. These dentists may be considered out of network for individual plans, but they will still give you a higher discount than true out-of-network dentists and they cannot balance bill.

• Out-of-Network: You can see any dentist, but be careful, they can "balance bill" you for the difference between their fee and what insurance pays. To keep your costs down, going to an in-network dentist is a better option.

4. What if you added DeltaVision®?

If you added DeltaVision to your plan, you’ve unlocked vision benefits with VSP® Vision Care. Here’s how to use it:

• The VSP Connection: Even though you bought the plan through Delta Dental, your vision benefits are managed through the VSP network.

• No Card Required: Most eye doctors only need your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your SSN to look you up in the VSP system.

• The $10 Exam: Your plan likely includes a WellVision Exam® for a small copay (usually $10). These exams don't just check your vision; they can detect early signs of health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.

5. Take it mobile

Don't wait for a paper card to arrive in the mail. Download the Delta Dental Mobile App (available on the App Store and Google Play).

• Digital ID Cards: Pull up your card on your phone at the front desk.

• Cost Estimator: Get a "ballpark" idea of what a procedure will cost before you sit in the chair.

• Dentist Search: Find the closest PPO or Premier provider in Tennessee with two taps.

Your 3-step "Right Now" checklist:

1. Download the App: Log in to see your specific plan details.

2. Find Your Dentist: Use the "Find a Provider" tool to ensure your dentist is in the PPO or Premier network.

3. Check for Prior Coverage: If you just left another plan, gather your paperwork now to waive those waiting periods!

Taking the time to understand your Delta Dental of Tennessee and DeltaVision® benefits today ensures there are no surprises in the dentist's chair tomorrow. Now that you have the tools and the plan, it’s time to put that coverage to use. Schedule your first check-up, download the app, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your health is in expert hands. After all, a healthy smile is one of the best investments you’ll ever make!