Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)...
1. What is the cost of the plan and how do I sign up?
2. Who may be included on my plan?
3. How long has CAREINGTON been in business?
4. I need dental work NOW! Are existing conditions accepted?
5. Can you tell me the total cost for the dental work I need?
6. What are the requirements of the CAREINGTON plan?
7. When will I be able to use the plan once I sign up?
8. When will I get a card?
9. How much can I expect to save with the dental plan?
10. How does a dentist qualify to CAREINGTON's provider network?
11. What if I want to change dentists?
12. What type of emergency service do I have?
13. Can the CAREINGTON plan work with other insurance plans?
14. How do I use the plan . . . or "how does the plan work?"
Q1. What is the cost of the plan and how do I sign up?
It's very affordable! The cost of the plan is $6.95/month for an individual, $11.95/month for two, and $15.95/month for an entire household of three or more. There is a one-time $20 processing fee, charged in the first month. (Join Today)
Q2. Who may be included on my plan?
Anyone living in your household may be included on your plan. This may include not only your spouse and children, but also a grandparent or anyone else living in your household.
Q3. How long has CAREINGTON been in business?
In 1979, two doctors founded a member network that benefited both companies and individuals. They amassed a fraternity of dentists who agreed to charge considerably lower fees to their counterpart patient members . . . and it worked. Today, CAREINGTON is over 8,000,000 members strong and growing.
Q4. I need dental work NOW! Are existing conditions accepted?
Yes, current dental conditions are accepted immediately. The only exception is for dental work already in progress.
A simple diagnosis or treatment plan are not considered to be "work in progress." If you have dental work that has already begun (dental braces, for example), then plan discounts will not apply to that specific procedure.
Q5. Can you tell me the total cost for the dental work I need?
Only a dentist is able to diagnose the exact procedures you may need. The Schedule of Discounts for New York (See Your Savings) gives you exact discounted fees for about 100 of the most common dental procedures, listed by ADA code. (ADA = American Dental Association.)
If you have an itemized treatment plan with prices from another dentist, you may compare it to CAREINGTON's Schedule of Discounts for New York to calculate your savings (20% to 60%). Otherwise, only a dentist can give you a true estimate, based on his or her examination, identifying the exact dental procedures you need.
Suggestion: If extensive and costly work is required, consumer advocates usually recommend that you obtain a second dental opinion. This is not problem for CAREINGTON Dental Plan members, as no referral is required for you to seek another diagnosis or care from any other participating dentist in the plan.
Q6. What are the requirements of the CAREINGTON plan?
The main requirement of the CAREINGTON dental plan are that you must go to a CAREINGTON provider on the list. The CAREINGTON providers are carefully screened, credentialed, and selected in order to secure that you are given a choice of some of the finest dentists in your area.
Everyone wants good quality dental care at an affordable price. CAREINGTON Dental is a great program that can fill that void.
Q7. When will I be able to use the plan once I sign up?
Your dental plan membership begins on the 1st of the month you select, either the 1st of this current month or the 1st of the following month. If you wish to start ASAP, select "1st of the current month. (How To Start Fast)
When you Join securely online, you will receive a Temporary Dental Plan ID via Email within minutes. This ID contains a temporary verification telephone number for the dental office to call to confirm your new Plan membership. (Emergency Dental)
Note: you may start using the Vision Plan and (optional) Prescription Plan once you receive your ID cards via mail.
When you Join securely online, you should receive a Temporary Dental Plan ID via Email within 15 minutes (or less). Expect your official Membership packet, along with all printed Member ID cards, via regular mail in about 10 days.
*You do not need to wait to start using your dental plan immediately. (Start Fast) (Emergency Dental)
Note: You may start using the Vision Plan and (optional) Prescription Plan once you receive your ID card(s) via mail.
Q9. How much can I expect to save with the Dental Plan?
You save 20% to 60% on nearly all dental care. The average annual savings is $1200 per family on dental work.
NOTE: CAREINGTON offers several different dental plans in most states. This is CAREINGTON's best discount plan for New York. *We suggest you take a copy of your NY "Schedule of Discounts" on your first dental visit to be sure you are being charged properly.
Q10. How does a dentist qualify to join CAREINGTON's provider network?
Dentists must meet CAREINGTON's highly selective credentialing process which is based on education, background, location, office facilities, and other requirements.
Q11. What if I want to change dentists?
You are free to seek care from any participating dentist in the network. If you wish to change dentists, simply call the new dental office for an appointment and let them know that you are a CAREINGTON plan member.
Note: Ordinarily, you should complete procedures in progress (if any) by your current dentist, because most dental offices do not want to take over another dentist's unfinished work.
Q12. What type of emergency service do I have?
In case of an emergency, a Member should contact their usual plan dentist. If he/she is unavailable, contact CAREINGTON Member Service and they will assist you in locating another dentist ASAP. Or quickly Look-Up Plan Dentists here!
Q13. Can the CAREINGTON plan work with other insurance plans?
CAREINGTON can work with true dental insurance. However, CAREINGTON does not work with another dental "discount plan."
In order to receive discounts, you must...
-- use a CAREINGTON network dentist for your dental plan discounts, and
-- after paying the reduced fees,
you file a claim with your insurance company.
Today, virtually all dental insurance plans have annual benefit limits (typically from $1000 to $1500 per year). If you have dental insurance and you are contemplating costly dental work exceeding your insurance limit, then the CAREINGTON Plan can effectively "stretch" your dental insurance annual limits.
Q14. How do I use the plan . . . or "how does the plan work?"
The plan is easy to use and there are no claim forms to file. For all details, please see How The Plan Works.