Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the actual differences between Dental Discount Cards & traditional Dental Insurance?
Discount dental cards are designed for individuals, families and groups that are looking to save money on their dental care.
The cost of dental care is significantly reduced by providing card holders with discounted rates at selected providers.
Further, unlike dental insurance, there is never a problem with "pre-existing conditions", everyone is accepted!
CAREINGTON Dental Discount programs also include Vision Care, providing individuals & their families with even more savings.
2 What is meant by Discounted Rates at Selected Providers?
Dental Discount Cards - Dental Discount Cards offer discounted rates at participating dental providers. Before joining a dental discount program you should check for participating dental providers in your area. It is worth noting that Dental Discount Cards can also be used in conjunction with Dental Insurance Indemnity plans.
Click the link to check for participating CAREINGTON providers in your area.
Dental Insurance - PPO plans also have pre-negotiated discounted rates with selected providers. Indemnity plans allow you to see any dentist and do not have discounted rates at selected providers.
3 Who is it that pays for the service?
Dental Discount Cards – You, the cardholder must pay the dentist directly at the time dental services are rendered. The Discount Card does not pay any money to the provider.
Dental Insurance - You pay monthly premiums, deductibles, co-pay’s and coinsurance; the insurance company pays the dentist directly for the remainder of the charges up to a pre-determined annual maximum.
4 What deductibles do I have to pay?
Dental Discount Cards – There is no deductible; discounts are available during your first visit to the dentist.
Dental Insurance – Typically all dental insurance has a deductible; the insurance company will not start paying for your dental service until your dental expenses reach your deductible. Your deductible is a certain pre-determined dollar amount.
5 What Co-Pay’s and Coinsurance do I have to pay?
Dental Discount Cards – Co-pays and coinsurance are not applicable to Dental Discount Cards. Participating dentists will simply charge you the contracted discounted rate that has been pre-negotiated.
Dental Insurance – After your deductible is met, you may have to pay a nominal amount per office visit (commonly $10 to $20) and/or a percentage, commonly 20% of the cost of a larger procedure. Your Insurance will usually pay for the remainder of your charges, up to a pre-determined annual maximum.
6 What is the waiting Period?
Dental Discount Cards – There is no waiting period.
Dental Insurance - Many dental insurance plans require you to be a policyholder for 12 months or more before paying for any major dental services.
7 What is the annual maximum benefit?
Dental Discount Cards – There is no annual maximum; you and your family can use your discount program membership as often and as much as you need.
Dental Insurance - Most dental insurance plans only cover up to a pre-determined amount per member per year. After that cap is reached, you are responsible for 100% of all dental expenses.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
8 How do I sign up?
There are 3 ways you can sign up
1 Online. Fill out the information along with your payment and submit. To sign up online now click here
2 Telephone. If you do not feel comfortable entering your information online give us a call and you can apply over the telephone. To sign up by telephone click here.
3 Mail in application. You can print off an application by clicking here and mail to us
9 Who can I include as a household?
Anyone residing at the same address is considered household.
10 What if I want to add a member later or how do I drop a member?
You should include all members of your household now. You may add or drop a member from the program later if you have a change in family status due to marriage, divorce or birth/adoption of a child. A change form will need to be completed and faxed to us at 817 377 8826
11 How can I pay for this program?
Credit card or bank draft. These are the only payment plans that can be done on a month to month basis. Payment will be automatically withdrawn from your account each month. You also have the option of quarterly, semi and annual payments, however keep in mind that this is automatic and you do not receive a bill or reminder so monthly may be the best option to avoid unexpected expenses.
Check or Money order. With this type of payment you must mail in your application along with payment before your membership can begin. This payment option is only available for quarterly, semi or annual payments. CAREINGTON will send you a bill requesting payment to continue your membership.
12 How do I know that my online application was submitted successfully?
You should receive a confirmation email to let you know your application was received. You may also contact CAREINGTON at 1 800 372 7615
13 When will I get my card?
If you signed up online for immediate service you will have a confirmation email that you can use until you get your membership packet and card in the mail. The membership packet takes about 10 to 15 business days, but remember, you can still render dental services without your membership card.
14 Is there any sort of guarantee?
Yes. CAREINGTON GUARANTEE
15 How soon after I sign up will I be able to use the program?
All plans start on the 1st of the month. When CAREINGTON receives your application and payment you will be effective on the 1st of the current month or the 1st of the following month, depending on how you selected your effective date.
16 How do I use the program?
On or after your effective date you can contact a provider on the provider list and make an appointment. Make sure you tell them you are with CAREINGTON*.
*You will need to take either your confirmation email or your member card, which will be mailed to your home address within 10 to 15 business days. If you have neither available simply call 1 800 372 7615 for assistance.
*Your dentist office will call CAREINGTON each appointment to verify effective date and schedule.
*You will have to pay the discounted fees according to the schedule for the procedures performed, which are outlined by ADA (American Dental Association) code. Your payment is due at the time of service.
*It is always a good idea to call and confirm your information is in the system before setting your first appointment.
17 Do I have to go to a certain dentist?
CAREINGTON has a panel of participating dentists who are contracted to provide you with CAREINGTON savings. You are free to choose any provider on the list.
18 Do I need a card to see a dentist?
No. Your dentist office will always call CAREINGTON each appointment to verify you as a member by your member ID. You will however need some form of identification.
19 How many times a year can I have my teeth cleaned?
Teeth cleanings are customarily twice per year. Additional cleanings will be charged at your dentist’s regular rates.
20 What type of emergency services are provided?
In case of an emergency, a member should contact their regular provider. If your regular provider is not available contact member services at 1 800 290 0533 and they will assist you in locating another provider.
21 Can the CAREINGTON program coincide with other insurance coverage?
Yes, CAREINGTON can coordinate with other indemnity dental insurance companies if the dentist is willing to take both plans. In order to receive savings from CAREINGTON, you must see a CAREINGTON provider. After paying the reduced CAREINGTON fee, you will need to file a claim form with your other insurance.
22 What qualifications determine whether a dentist is eligible as a provider?
Dentists must meet Careington’s highly selective credentialing process, which is based on education, background, location, office facilities and other requirements.
23 My dentist is not currently on the provider list. What can I do?
Have your dentist call CAREINGTON at 1 800 441 0380 and ask for a new provider packet from the member services department. However, there is no guarantee that your provider will join the program. You may also submit a nomination form for your regular dentist and CAREINGTON will contact them directly to see if they have an interest in becoming a CAREINGTON provider.
Note: The credentialing & qualifying period can sometimes take as long as 6 months, depending on the response time of the dentist.
