We at the NJDA take any negative impact on dentists, dentistry or oral health very seriously. While Delta's fee reduction impacts relatively few dentists, Delta's communication and its timing affects everyone. We will continue to advocate for our members.
Some New Jersey dentists recently received a communication from Delta Dental of NJ stating that it intends to lower the maximum allowable charge for general dentists who participate in Delta Premier effective January 1, 2022. While Delta's fee reduction impacts relatively few dentists, Delta's communication and its timing affects everyone.
We at the NJDA take any negative impact on dentists, dentistry or oral health very seriously. Delta Dental of NJ's decision to lower its fees impacts thousands of patients who have enjoyed the benefits of a Delta Premier Plan. Delta's action now forces participating dentists to reevaluate the efficacy of maintaining their relationship.
NJDA continues to advocate for its members and their patients by fighting for equity and fairness within the state law's parameters. This is why we have fought to enact legislation that:
- allows assignment of benefits
- prevents insurers from imposing fees for non-covered services
- prohibits the leasing of provider networks without practitioner consent
- improves transparency and consumer choice and prohibits the use of disallow clause by carriers
We do this because we hear from our members. We do this because it is the right thing to do.
Delta Dental is an Endorsed Business Associate of the NJDA. This relationship allows us to keep our lines of communication open with Delta as we work to understand the situation and defend the interests of our member-dentists. We will continue to do everything we lawfully can to advocate for New Jersey dentists and use our legal legislative, and regulatory tools to address this issue and others that face our members and their patients.