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Dental Coverage

Contents:

Overview of SHIP dental coverage

Dental coverage is included as part of the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). All UC Berkeley and Mills students enrolled in SHIP automatically will receive benefits covering preventive and general restorative dental care.

Metropolitan Life (MetLife) is the dental insurance provider for SHIP students. Note that dental care is not provided at the Tang Center. SHIP members can select from a wide choice of local dentists, listed on the MetLife website.

Dental Benefits Summary

This is a summary of plan benefits. For a complete list of services that are and are not covered by the plan, click here.
There is a $1,000 calendar year benefit maximum.

If the care is
provided by a…
Dentist who is a member of the Preferred Dentist Program, the plan covers... Dentist who is not a member of the Preferred Dentist Program, the plan covers...

Preventive and Diagnostic Services:

  • Oral exams
    (2 per year)
  • Cleanings
    (2 per year)
  • X-rays
  • Fluoride treatment
100%
of negotiated fees that participating dentists have agreed to accept as payment in full
80%
of reasonable and customary charges

Basic Operative and Restorative Services:

  • Fillings
  • Simple extractions
  • Oral surgery
  • Periodontics
  • Endodontics
80%
of negotiated fees after a $25 annual deductible
60%
of reasonable and customary charges after a $25 annual deductible Co-payments will be higher than if you use a MetLife Preferred Dentist
Choosing a dentist, filing claims, etc.

Go to MyBenefits at MetLife.com to choose a dentist and manage your benefits.

  • For company name, enter "SHIP."
  • To set up your account, click "Register Here" and follow the instructions.

On MyBenefits you can:

  • Choose a dentist and print a map to the dentist's office
  • Check the status of your claims, including tracking your deductibles and year-to-date claims payments
  • Request e-mail notification when claims are processed
  • Download claim forms
  • Read answers to frequently asked questions, such as how to interpret the Explanation of Benefits form.

If you have questions or want to speak to a representative, you may call MetLife at 888-384-5155.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Coverage How does the dental plan work?
How do I find a dentist?
Do I need to file a claim after my visit?
Can I find out how much services will cost prior to treatment?
Can I waive the dental plan?
What if I have more questions?
 

How does the dental plan work?
Dental coverage is provided through MetLife's Preferred Dentist Program. With this program, you select a provider from a nationwide network of over 50,000 participating dentists, 100 of whom are located within five miles of campus. When you make your appointment, let the dentist know you have coverage through MetLife.

You do not need to pre-select a primary dentist, carry an ID card or receive referrals for specialty care. If you visit a dentist who is not a member of MetLife's Preferred Dentist Program, you still will receive benefits, but you will be charged higher out-of-pocket co-payments for the services you receive.

 

How do I find a dentist?
There are 100 dentists within five miles of campus who participate in the Preferred Dentist Program. To find a dentist, visit the MetLife website. You can even print directions and a map to the office!

If you need dental care when away from campus, you may choose from over 50,000 dentists nationwide. You have the freedom to choose any dentist at any time. You do not need to visit the same dentist every time.

  Do I need to file a claim after my visit?
Dentists participating in the Preferred Dentist Program will file a claim directly to MetLife. If you are responsible for any portion of the charges, you will be expected to pay that amount at the time of service. If you visit a dentist who is not in the Preferred Dentist Program, you may need to pay all charges, then file a claim for reimbursement. You may print out a claim form from the MetLife website, or call 1-888-384-5155 to have one sent to you.
  Can I find out how much services will cost prior to treatment?
Yes. You may have your dentist request a pretreatment estimate to determine what services the plan will cover and at what payment level. We strongly recommend a pretreatment estimate if the services are expected to cost more than $200. With the pretreatment estimate, you'll know exactly what your payment responsibilities are and can discuss treatment options with your dentist.
  Can I waive the dental plan?
Dental coverage is available as part of the Student Health Insurance Plan. If you are enrolled in SHIP, you automatically receive dental coverage. You cannot enroll in or waive dental coverage separately from SHIP.
 

What if I have more questions?
For more information about the Student Health Insurance Plan and dental coverage, call the Student Health Insurance Office at 510-642-5700.

Visit the MetLife website to:

  • Learn more about the Preferred Dentist Program
  • Choose a dentist and print a map to the dentist's office
  • Check the status of your claims, including tracking your deductibles and year-to-date claims payments
  • Request that Explanation of Benefits be sent you via e-mail
  • Download claim forms
  • Read answers to other frequently asked questions, such as how to interpret the Explanation of Benefits form.

You may also call MetLife at 1-888-384-5155 to speak to a dental plan representative.

Back to SHIP home page>

 

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