HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAG2021-104 - Original - Delta Dental - Dental Care Service Contract - 01/01/2021ApprovalOriginator:Department:
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Director or Designee Mayor
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Date Routed to the City Clerk’s Office:Agreement InformationVendor Name:Category:
Vendor Number:Sub-Category:
Project Name:
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Start Date:
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Termination Date:
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If meets requirements per KCC 3.70.100, please complete “Vendor Purchase-Local Exceptions” form on Cityspace.
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Contract Number:
Agreement Routing Form
For Approvals, Signatures and Records Management
This form combines & replaces the Request for Mayor’s Signature and Contract Cover Sheet forms.
(Print on pink or cherry colored paper)
Visit Documents.KentWA.gov to obtain copies of all agreementsadccW22373_1_20
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rev. 200821
FOR CITY OF KENT OFFICIAL USE ONLY
(Optional)
* Memo to Mayor must be attached
OK to sign 3/19/2021, TW
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Dental Care Service Contract
Declaration Page
Group Number(s) 00611
Group Name City of Kent
Effective Date 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time January 1, 2021
Term 12 Months
Plan Type Delta Dental PPOSM Local Plan
Group identified above agrees to a Dental Care Service Contract with Delta Dental of Washington (“DDWA”), a nonprofit
corporation incorporated in Washington State. This Contract is issued and delivered in the state of Washington and is
governed by Washington State laws. It is subject to the terms listed on these Declaration Page, the general Terms and
Conditions, the Certificate of Coverage, and any appendices and amendments, all of which are incorporated and made
part this Contract.
Rates
The monthly Administrative Fee payable by Group under this Contract Term during the period January 1, 202 1 through December
31, 2021 shall be $7.10 per Enrolled Employee. Group’s payment shall be in the form of a check or electronic transfer and shall
accompany the eligibility listing. DDWA will then update the files and send a new billing to Group for the next month of coverage.
Accepted By: Accepted By:
City of Kent Delta Dental of Washington
220 4th Ave S Post Office Box 75983
Kent, WA 98032-5895 Seattle, WA 98175-0983
Signed: Signed:
Title: Title: Vice President
Underwriting and Actuarial
Date: Date: November 23, 2020
Mayor
03/22/2021
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Benefit Period
Benefit Period Start January 1 Benefit Period End December 31
Eligibility, Enrollment, and Termination
Eligibility - Employee As defined by Group Eligibility - Dependent As defined by Group
Start Date Election Yes End Date Election No
Probationary Period As defined by Group Probationary Period Waiver No
Retroactive Additions 180 Days Retroactive Terminations 180 Days
Participation
Minimum Enrollment 100
Participation % Employee Tied to Medical Participation % Dependent Tied to Medical
Plan Deductibles
Individual In-Network $50 Family In-Network $150
Individual Out-of-Network $50 Family Out-of-Network $150
Deductible Waived on Class I; Orthodontic Benefits; Accidental Injury Benefits
Expenses
Runout Period 6 Months
Plan Specific Information: Plan 02 - All Medical Plans
Plan Maximums
Plan Maximum $2,000 (19 years of age or older)
Unlimited (under the age of 19)
Orthodontic Maximum $1,800 Lifetime* Temporomandibular
Maximum
Not Covered
*Medically Necessary Orthodontic treatment for members under the age of 19, as defined in the Certificate of Coverage, does not
accrue to the Orthodontic lifetime maximum.
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Plan Coinsurance
Covered Dental Benefits
Delta Dental PPO Dentists Delta Dental Premier Dentists
Dentists Outside of Washington State Non-Participating Dentists in
Washington State
Class I 100% 100%
Class II 80% 80%
Class III 80% 80%
Temporomandibular Joint Not Covered Not Covered
Orthodontic 50% 50%
Accidental Injury 100% 100%
Plan Specific Information: Plan 03 - Retirees
Plan Maximums
Plan Maximum $1,500 (19 years of age or older)
Unlimited (under the age of 19)
Orthodontic Maximum $1,000 Lifetime* Temporomandibular
Maximum
Not Covered
*Medically Necessary Orthodontic treatment for members under the age of 19, as defined in the Certificate of Coverage, does not
accrue to the Orthodontic lifetime maximum.
Plan Coinsurance
Covered Dental Benefits
Delta Dental PPO Dentists Delta Dental Premier Dentists
Dentists Outside of Washington State Non-Participating Dentists in
Washington State
Class I 100% 100%
Class II 80% 80%
Class III 50% 50%
Temporomandibular Joint Not Covered Not Covered
Orthodontic 50% 50%
Accidental Injury 100% 100%
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Deviations
All of the Terms and Conditions in this Contract apply, except if specifically modified in this Deviations section. Any
modifications listed here supersede all referenced Articles in the standard Terms and Conditions section below.
The following custom language is added by this reference.
Section # Custom Language
Global – Plan 03 For the purposes of Plan 03, the term Retiree may be inferred in place of the term Employee,
where applicable.
8.9 Leave of Absence
Coverage for a subscriber and enrolled dependents may be continued for up to 180 days when the
employer grants the subscriber a leave of absence and premium charges continue to be paid. If a
medical leave is granted, the City of Kent may pay the required monthly charge for the employee
and enrolled dependents for up to 180 days. The 180-day leave of absence period counts toward
the maximum COBRA continuation period, except as prohibited by the Family and Medical Leave
Act of 1993.
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Dental Care Service Contract
Terms and Conditions
1.Definitions
1.1. Administrative Fee: The monthly amount payable by Group as designated on the Declaration Pages.
1.2. Benefit Period: The time period that applies to the frequencies and limitations. The Benefit Period is shown on the
Declaration Page.
1.3. Certificate of Coverage: The benefit booklet, which describes in summary form the essential features of the Plan
coverage, and to or for whom the benefits hereunder are payable. The Certificate of Coverage is incorporated into this
Contract by this reference as if it were fully written in this document.
1.4. Contract: This agreement between DDWA and Group, including the Declaration Page, The Certificate of Coverage and any
and all appendices and amendments. This Contract constitutes the entire Contract between the parties and supersedes
any prior agreement, understanding or negotiation between the parties.
1.5. Covered Dental Benefit: Dental services that are covered under this Contract, subject to the limitations and exclusions set
forth in the Certificate of Coverage.
1.6. DDWA: Delta Dental of Washington, a nonprofit corporation incorporated in Washington State. DDWA is a member of
the Delta Dental Plans Association.
1.7. Declarations Page(s): The front page(s) of this Plan that provides the Group specific information and group specific
elections referred to in the Terms and Conditions.
1.8. Delta Dental: Delta Dental Plans Association: A nationwide not-for-profit organization of dental benefit carriers offering a
range of group dental benefit plans.
1.9. Delta Dental PPO℠ Dentist: A Participating Dentist who has agreed to render services and receive payment in accordance
with the terms and conditions of a written Delta Dental PPO provider agreement, which includes looking solely to Delta
Dental for payment for covered services.
1.10. Delta Dental Premier® Dentist: A Delta Dental Participating Dentist who has agreed to render services and receive
payment in accordance with the terms and conditions of a written Delta Dental provider agreement between DDWA and
such Dentist.
1.11. Delta Dental Participating Dentist: A licensed Dentist who has agreed to render services and receive payment in
accordance with the terms and conditions of a written Delta Dental Provider Agreement, which includes looking solely to
Delta Dental for payment for covered services. Delta Dental Participating Dentists include Delta Dental PPO Dentists and
Delta Dental Premier Dentists.
1.12. Dentist: A licensed dentist legally authorized to practice dentistry at the time and in the place services are performed.
This Contract provides covered services only if those services are performed by or under direction of a licensed Dentist or
other Licensed Professional operating within the scope of their license.
1.13. Eligibility Date: The date on which an Eligible Person becomes eligible to enroll in the Plan.
1.14. Eligible Dependent, Eligible Employee, or Eligible Person: Any dependent, employee or person who meets the conditions
of eligibility set forth on the Declaration Page.
1.15. Employee: A person who is designated as such by the Group for the purposes of this Plan.
1.16. Enrolled Dependent, Enrolled Employee, or Enrolled Person: Any Eligible Dependent, Eligible Employee or Eligible
Person, as applicable, who has completed the enrollment process and for whom Group has submitted the monthly
Administrative Fee to DDWA.
1.17. Filed Fee: The approved fee accepted by DDWA for a specific dental procedure performed by a Delta Dental Participating
Dentist, who has performed the dental service and submitted that fee.
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1.18. Group: The employer or entity that is contracting for dental benefits for its Employees in this Contract.
1.19. Licensed Professional: An individual legally authorized to perform services as defined in their license. Licensed
Professional includes, but is not limited to, denturists, hygienists, and radiology technicians.
1.20. Lifetime Maximum: The maximum amount DDWA will pay in the specified Covered Dental Benefit class for an insured
individual during the time that individual is on this Plan or any other Plan offered b y this Employer.
1.21. Maximum Allowable Fee: The maximum dollar amount that will be allowed toward the reimbursement for any service
provided for a Covered Dental Benefit.
1.22. Non-Participating Dentist: A licensed Dentist who has not agreed to render services and receive payment in accordance
with the terms and conditions of a written Participating Dentist Agreement between a member of the Delta Dental Plans
Association and such Dentist.
1.23. Open Enrollment Period: The annual period in which Eligible Employees can select benefits Plans and add or delete
Eligible Dependents.
1.24. Participating Plan: Delta Dental of Washington and any other member of the Delta Dental Plans Association with which
Delta Dental contracts to assist in administering the Covered Dental Benefits described in this Contract.
1.25. Plan Coinsurance: The applicable percentage of Maximum Allowable Fees for Covered Dental Benefits that shall be paid
by DDWA as set forth in the Declaration Page. Sometimes this is referred to as the payment level.
1.26. Plan: This Contract that provides dental benefits. Any other Contract that provides dental benefits and meets the
definition of a “Plan” in the “Coordination of Benefits” section of the Certificate of Coverage is a plan for the purpose of
coordination of benefits only.
1.27. Service Area: Washington State, the geographic area in which DDWA will issue this policy. Dental Benefits are provided
for covered services received outside of Washington State.
1.28. Standard Terms and Conditions: The non-Group specific terms and conditions that control this Contract, unless
specifically modified on the Declaration Page.
2.Eligibility, Enrollment, and Termination
2.1. Employee Eligibility, Enrollment, and Termination
2.1.1. Employees are eligible to enroll in this Plan if they meet the condition of eligibility designated on the Declaration
Page.
2.1.2. Eligible Employees may enroll in this Plan on the effective date of this Contract. An employee hired after the effective
date of this Contract may enroll in this Plan after satisfying the probationary period indicated on the Declaration
Page.
2.1.3. Employees are eligible to enroll in this Plan on the first of the month after satisfying any probationary period
designated on the Declaration Page unless the Group has elected the ‘Start Date’ option on the Declaration Page. For
‘Start Date’ election, the Employee enrollment will start on the date the Employee is eligible. An Employee shall
continue to be eligible to enroll in this Plan during the time this Contract is in effect as long as the Employee remains
an Eligible Employee.
2.1.4. If indicated on the Declaration Page, DDWA will waive the Employee probationary period for an Employee hired after
the effective date of this Contract who is transferring into the Plan from enrollment in any other dental plan.
Enrollment for such Employee must be completed within 30 days of the transfer and the Employee must have been
enrolled for benefits under the prior dental plan in the month of transfer or immediately prior to the month of
transfer. The effective date of coverage for such Employee shall be the first day of the calendar month following
enrollment. Notification of previous coverage is required at the time of enrollment.
2.1.5. Eligible Employees become Enrolled Employees after fully completing the enrollment process, including payment of
Administrative Fee by Group to DDWA, and remain Enrolled Employees as long as they remain eligible under this Plan
and Group has made timely payments of monthly Administrative Fees on behalf of the Employee.
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2.1.6. An Enrolled Employee terminates from this Plan at the end of the month that th e employee is no longer eligible for
enrollment unless the Group has elected the ‘End Date’ option on the Declaration Page. For ‘End Date’ election, the
Employee terminates on the date the Employee is no longer eligible. An Employee will also terminate from this Plan
at the end of the calendar month for which Group has made the last timely payment of the monthly Administrative
Fees on behalf of the Enrolled Employee, or upon termination of this Contract, whichever occurs first.
2.2. Dependent Eligibility, Enrollment, and Termination
2.2.1. Dependent coverage under this plan is available as in dicated on the Declaration Page.
2.2.2. If covered, an Eligible Dependent is a dependent of an Enrolled Employee who meets the requirements for eligibility
established by the Group. Dependent eligibility validation documentation shall be maintained and verified b y the
Group.
2.2.3. An Eligible Dependent shall become eligible to enroll in this Plan on the date the Eligible Employee becomes eligible
to enroll in this Plan, or on the first day of the calendar month following the month in which such person became an
Eligible Dependent of the Eligible Employee.
2.2.4. A foster child is covered from the time of placement.
2.2.5. A newborn is covered from the moment of birth, and an adopted child is covered from the date of assumption of a
legal obligation for total or partial support or upon placement of the child in anticipation of adoption of the child.
2.2.6. Eligible Dependents become Enrolled Dependents after fully completing the enrollment process, including payment
of Administrative Fee by the Group to DDWA. An Enrolled Dependent shall continue to be enrolled as long as the
Group has made timely payment of the monthly Administrative Fees on behalf of the Enrolled Employee to DDWA.
2.2.7. If the enrollment process is not completed within the time period selected which is represented in the Certificate of
Coverage, enrollment will not be accepted until the next Open Enrollment Period unless specified, or unless there is a
change in family status as defined in the Special Enrollment Period section of the Certificate of Coverage. If an
additional Administrative Fee for coverage is required and enrollment is not completed within the time period
selected, the newborn, adopted or foster child(ren) will be covered from the effective date of enrollment as defined
in the Certificate of Coverage.
2.2.8. An Enrolled Dependent terminates from this Plan when they are no longer an Eligible Dependent of an Eligible
Employee, or at the end of the calendar month for which Group has made timely payment of the monthly
Administrative Fees on behalf of the Enrolled Employee, or upon termination of this Contract, whichever occurs first.
2.2.9. An Enrolled Employee may terminate coverage of an Enrolled Dependent or reinstate an Eligible Dependent only at
renewal or extension of this Plan, or if there is a change in family status, as defined in the Special Enrollment Period
section of the Certificate of Coverage.
2.3. General Enrollment Information
2.3.1. An Enrolled Employee must complete the enrollment process for themselves or any newly Eligible Dependents within
the time period represented in the Certificate of Coverage. Late enrollment will not be accepted until the next Open
Enrollment Period unless specified, or unless there is a change in family status as defined in the Special Enrollment
Period section of the Certificate of Coverage.
2.3.2. DDWA requests that all completed enrollment information is received from the Group within 60 days of the
employee or dependent’s eligibility date.
2.3.3. Retroactive additions and terminations of enrollment for administrative purposes will only be accepted for the time
period indicated on the Declaration Page.
2.3.4. While satisfying the various requirements of the FMLA, the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act, and COBRA laws rests
primarily with the Group, DDWA will fully cooperate with Group in complying with these laws.
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3.Participation Requirements, Administrative Fees, Invoicing, Payment, Reimbursement of Claims
3.1. Participation Requirements
3.1.1. This Contract requires participation of the required percentage or segment of Eligible Employees and Eligible
Dependents as indicated on the Declaration Page.
3.1.2. For Groups that elect a specific percentage of employee participation, Group will assure th at percentage of Eligible
Employees are participating in this Plan.
3.1.3. For Groups that elect a specific percentage of dependent participation, Group will assure that specified percentage of
all Enrolled Employees enroll all of their Eligible Dependents, unless those dependents are enrolled in another dental
plan.
3.1.4. For Groups that elect to have employee or dependent enrollment in this Plan tied to enrollment in their Group -
sponsored medical plan, all Eligible Employees and their Eligible Dependents who are enro lled in the Group-
sponsored medical plan must be enrolled in this Plan regardless of whether or not they are enrolled as a dependent
in another dental plan. Eligible Employees or their Eligible Dependents who are not enrolled in the Group -sponsored
medical plan may not enroll in this Plan.
3.1.5. For Groups that elect voluntary enrollment, there is no participation requirement. All other enrollment requirements
apply.
3.2. Administrative Fee
3.2.1. Group shall submit a list of Enrolled Persons to DDWA prior to the beginning of each monthly eligibility period.
3.2.2. Group shall permit DDWA, at DDWA’s expense, on reasonable advance written notice, to inspect eligibility records to
verify the accuracy of information submitted to DDWA. An equitable adjustment of Administrativ e Fee shall be made
in the event of errors or delays in reporting eligibility.
3.2.3. DDWA shall not be obligated to recoup any funds paid to providers for treatment performed in good faith that the
patient’s eligibility was current and accurate at the time of treatment.
3.2.4. Legislative Surcharge Clause. If any governmental unit imposes any new tax or assessment or increases the rate of
any current tax or assessment that is measured directly by the payments made to DDWA by Group, or payment made
by DDWA for claims, then DDWA is authorized to increase the monthly Administrative Fee by the amount of such
new tax, assessment or increase, or pass through the exact tax amount to the Group separately.
3.2.5. If Group does not agree to the proposed adjustment within 30 days, DDWA ma y terminate this Contract at the end of
the month for which Administrative Fee had been received by DDWA prior to the date of such notice to Group and in
accordance with the provisions of this Contract.
3.2.6. The monthly Administrative Fee indicated on the Declaration Page will be remitted fully by Group as invoiced.
3.3. Invoicing and Payment
3.3.1. The Group shall pay the full invoiced amount to DDWA on or before the first day of each calendar month for which
benefits are to be provided.
3.3.2. Payment of Administrative Fee is by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) unless other specific payment methods are
approved by DDWA. The Group may elect to have DDWA pull the funds from their bank account via an ACH debt
transfer around the first of every month.
3.3.3. If Group objects to any portion of an invoice, Group will notify DDWA prior to the payment due date and specify the
amount and cause of the dispute. Group will pay any undisputed amounts in a timely manner. Any disputed
amounts will be resolved by direct negotiation between DDWA and Group.
3.3.4. If payment is not received within 30 days, DDWA may give written notice tha t payment is past due and may, at its
option, terminate all benefits and be released from all further obligations as set forth herein.
3.3.5. No person shall be entitled to benefits under this Contract during any month for which Administrative Fee payment
has not been received by DDWA.
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3.4. Reimbursement of Claims
3.4.1. DDWA shall notify Group monthly of the actual amount of claims paid by DDWA for that month. Notification will be
via email, which will constitute an invoice. Group will then have two business days to transfer funds electronically to
the appropriate DDWA bank account an amount equal to total claims paid for the month.
3.4.2. Funds are due on the date notified. If the funds are not transferred within five days of notification, a late fee of one
percent of total claim dollars on that invoice will be charged. An additional late charge of one percent of the total
claim dollars on that invoice will be charged if payment is not received within 30 days of the due date and an
additional late charge of one percent of the total claim dollars on that invoice for each subsequent 30-day period for
which payment is not received. The charges shall be included by DDWA with a subsequent payment notification.
4.Benefits and Benefit Disputes
4.1. Benefits
4.1.1. Covered Dental Benefits, Limitations, and Exclusions are as described in the Certificate of Coverage and are subject to
the Plan maximum and deductible as defined on the Declaration Page.
4.1.2. Covered Dental Benefits are available for an Enrolled Person from the enrollment date until such enrollment
terminates.
4.1.3. The percentages of the Maximum Allowable Fee, Filed Fee, or the Dentists’ actual charges payable by DDWA for
Covered Dental Benefits provided to an Enrolled Person are defined on the Declaration Page.
4.1.4. To determine Covered Dental Benefits for certain treatments, DDWA may require an Enrolled Person to obtain an
independent examination from a DDWA-appointed dentist. DDWA will pay all the charges incurred for this
examination.
4.2. Providers
4.2.1. Payment for services provided by a Delta Dental Participating Dentist will be made directly to the dentist. Contracts
between Delta Dental and its Delta Dental Participating Dentists provide that, if Delta Dental fails to pay the dentist
any amount owed, the Enrolled Person shall not be liable to the dentist for any sums owed by Delta Dental.
4.2.2. An Enrolled Person may elect the services of any licensed dentist. DDWA is not responsible for availability of any
particular licensed dentist. DDWA shall not be held liable for any act or o mission on the part of the selected dentist.
4.2.3. DDWA shall be entitled to receive from any attending dentist, or from hospitals in which a dentist's care is rendered,
any records relating to treatment rendered to an Enrolled Person as may be required in the a dministration of claims.
4.2.4. The provider dispute resolution process as outlined in individual provider contracts is available upon request.
4.2.5. Fees paid to a provider for Covered Dental Benefits under this Plan are based on the lesser of the provider’s actual
fee or the Maximum Allowable Fee of the fee schedule defined below:
PPO Local Plan
Provider Type Fee Schedule
Delta Dental PPO Participating Dentist PPO Participating Dentist – State Specific
Delta Dental Premier Participating Dentist Premier Participating Dentist – State Specific
Non-Participating Dentist in Washington State Non-Participating Dentist – State Specific
Non-Participating Dentists out of Washington State Participating Dentist
5.Plan Details
5.1. Plan Maximum
5.1.1. The maximum amount payable by DDWA for Class I, II and III Covered Dental Benefits per Enrolled Person during
each Benefit Period is indicated on the Declaration Page. Charges for dental procedures requiring multiple treatment
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dates shall be considered incurred on the date the service is completed. Amounts for such procedures shall be
applied to the Plan maximum based on such incurred date.
5.1.2. If Orthodontic Benefits are covered, the annual or lifetime maximum amount payable by DDWA for Orthodontic
Benefits provided to an Enrolled Person will be indicated on the Declaration Page. If Orthodontic Benefits are covered
for children only, the maximum will apply only to those members.
5.1.3. If Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) services are covered, the annual or lifetime maximum amount payable by DDWA
for dental services related to the treatment of TMJ disorders will be indicated on the Declaration Page.
5.2. Plan Coinsurance
Plan coinsurance amounts are indicated on the Declaration Page.
5.3. Plan Deductible
5.3.1. The plan deductible, if elected, is indicated on the Declaration Page.
5.3.2. Deductibles may apply to In-Network and Out-of-Network combined, In-Network and Out-of-Network separately, or
for Out-of-Network only, as indicated on the Declaration Page.
5.3.3. DDWA is not obligated to pay for Covered Dental Benefits until the deductible amount is satisfied during each Benefit
Period for each individual, unless the family deductible has been met during that Benefit Period. The family
deductible is accrued by deductible payments of the Enrolled Employee or any Enrolled Dependent.
5.3.4. Any elected deductible is waived on designated classes of benefits as indicated on the Declaration Page.
6.DDWA’s Obligations
6.1. Certificates of Coverage
6.1.1. DDWA will issue to Group an electronic version of the Certificate of Coverage for this Plan in the form of a standard
DDWA benefit booklet, which summarizes the Covered Dental Benefits and other essential features of the Plan. If any
amendment to this Contract materially affects any benefits described in booklets, electronic versions of corrected
booklets or booklet inserts showing the change will be issued to Group. Generally, new Booklets and/or Inserts are
not issued mid-Contract Term unless as otherwise specified in this Contract.
6.1.2. Upon receipt of a written request, DDWA will provide to Group one printed booklet for each employee enrolled in
the Plan, plus an additional ten percent for a reserve supply. Group will reimburse DDWA for any additional costs due
to variation in booklet size or paper requested by Group . DDWA will have booklets delivered to Group within 15
business days after receipt of a signed booklet approval form from Group.
6.2. Confirmation of Treatment and Cost (also known as predetermination of benefits)
6.2.1. DDWA will provide descriptions of Confirmation of Treatment and Costs, claim review, and complaint and appeal
procedures in the benefit booklets issued to Group.
6.2.2. If a dentist or an Enrolled Person submits a request for a Confirmation of Treatment and Cost, DDWA will provide a
Confirmation of Treatment and Cost for the Enrolled Person. Such Confirmation of Treatment and Cost will be valid
when issued based on the information available at that time. A Confirmation of Treatment and Costs is not an
authorization for services nor a guarantee of payment but is a notification of Covered Dental Benefits available.
6.3. Quality Management
DDWA may utilize its Quality Management and Clinical Review processes to provide professional review of the adequacy,
appropriateness, and alignment with DDWA’s established clinical criteria of services rendered to Enrolled Persons.
6.4. Provider Directories
DDWA shall provide Delta Dental Participating Dentist Directories to Group. This directory is available online, and may
also be requested by telephone as indicated in the Certificate of Coverage. It is understood that the composition of such
directory is subject to change. DDWA reserves the right to change the directory without notice.
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6.5. Dental Services Obligations
6.5.1. DDWA shall not be obligated to make payment for any services rendered to a person who is not an Enrolled Person at
the time the services were performed.
6.5.2. Nothing contained in this Contract shall be construed as obligating DDWA to render dental services; its sole obligation
being to pay the agreed-upon portion of dentist's charges for Covered Dental Benefits in accordance with the terms
of this Contract.
7.Group’s Obligations
7.1. Notification to Enrolled Employees
Group shall provide information to all Enrolled Employees as to the existence and terms of this Contract. Group shall
make the Certificate of Coverage available to each Enrolled Employee.
7.2. Summary Plan Descriptions
If Group elects to prepare and print its own summary plan description, it does so at its own risk and expense. The Group -
prepared summary plan description must be based on the most current Certificate of Coverage provided by DDWA, and
will be for informational purposes only, not incorporated into this Contract. Group is responsible for assuring the
accuracy of any summary plan description that it elects to prepare and distribute. DDWA is not obligated to review or
approve any summary plan description prepared by Group, and will not provide any warranty for the content of the
Group-produced summary plan description.
7.3. Execution of Contract
7.3.1. Group shall sign and return any and all Contract documents within 30 days of the effective date or the date DDWA
sends the Contract document to Group or its authorized representative or agent, whichever is later.
7.3.2. If a signed Contract is not received by DDWA from the Group or the Group’s legal representative(s) by the effective
date, but Group remits Administrative Fee, both parties agree to perform under this Contract in good faith until a
signed Contract is received, or until a notice of termination is received as d etailed herein.
8.General Provisions
8.1. Modification
No change in this Contract shall be valid unless evidenced by written amendment signed by an authorized representative
or agent of DDWA and an authorized representative or agent of Group.
8.2. Legal Action
Legal action to recover benefits provided for in this Contract may not be initiated prior to 60 days after receipt of claim by
DDWA. In addition, such legal action must commence within 6 years from the date the claim was received by DDWA.
8.3. Severability
Any provision of this Contract that is in conflict with any governing law or regulation of the State of Washington is hereby
amended to comply with the minimum requirements of such law or regulation.
8.4. Indemnification
8.4.1. DDWA shall indemnify and hold harmless Group, its affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees and
agents, for that portion of any liability, settlement and related expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees)
resulting solely and directly from DDWA’s breach of this Contract, negligence, willful misconduct, criminal conduct,
fraud or its breach of a fiduciary responsibility related to or arising out of this Contract.
8.4.2. Group shall indemnify and hold harmless DDWA, its affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees and
agents, for that portion of any liability, settlement and related expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees)
resulting solely and directly from Group’s breach of this Contract, negligence, willful misconduct, criminal conduct,
fraud or its breach of a fiduciary responsibility related to or arising out of this Contract.
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8.5. Force Majeure
In the event DDWA is unable to perform its obligations under this Contract by reason of fire, casualty, lockout, strike,
labor condition, riot, war, act of God or by ordinance, law, order or decree of any legally constituted authority, then this
Contract may, at the option of DDWA, be suspended. During any period of suspension, DDWA shall not be required to
perform any service under this Contract, nor shall DDWA be liable for any damages arising from any event that
precipitated the suspension. If this Contract is suspended pursuant to this provision, Group’s obligation to make
Administrative Fee payments shall also be suspended for the same period of time.
8.6. Privacy
DDWA and Group will act in accordance with applicable state and federal privacy requirements and disclosure
requirements, such as the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
(HIPAA), including any applicable regulations.
8.7. Domestic Partnership and Gender
For the purposes of this contract, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and
family shall be interpreted as applying equally to domestic partnerships or individuals in domestic partne rships as well as
to marital relationships and married persons. References to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to domestic
partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflic t
with federal law. Where necessary, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any part of this contract shall
be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in domestic partnerships. This definition does not change
the election of the Group with regard to coverage for domestic partnerships.
8.8. Notice
Any notice under this Contract shall be sufficient if given by either Group or DDWA by regular mail to the other addressed
to the office stated on the front page of this Contract or to such other address as may be designated by written notice to
the other.
9.Termination
9.1. Termination Notice
This Contract may be terminated effective at the end of the term by either Group or DDWA, or by either party giving
written notice to the other at least 30 days prior to the end of the Contract term, except as otherwise specifically
provided herein.
9.2. DDWA Termination
9.2.1. DDWA may elect to terminate this Contract, without prior approval of the Washington State Insurance
Commissioner, if any of the events outlined in this Section occur. Termination would be effective at the end of the
month for which Administrative Fees have been received by DDWA prior to the time of such election. If termination
occurs, DDWA will provide written notice to Group. If DDWA elects to terminate because of default by Group, then
Group shall be indebted to and agrees to pay DDWA the sum of all claims payments and expenses incurred for dental
services rendered from the date of default until the date of termination, including costs of recovery.
9.2.2. Events that allow termination:
a.A failure to pay Administrative Fee or perform Group's other obligations when due.
b.Any violation of published policies of DDWA.
c.Change or implementation of federal or state health care reform laws that no longer permit the continued
offering of such coverage.
9.2.3. Events that allow termination if the Group does not take corrective action consistent with their obligations under this
Contract:
a.Enrolled Persons committing fraudulent acts against DDWA.
b.Enrolled Persons who materially breach the terms of this Contract.
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9.3. Administrative Fee Reimbursement
If on termination of this Contract, Group has paid Administrative Fee to DDWA applicable to a period of time after the
termination date, DDWA shall, within 30 days after notification of termination, return such portion of Administrative Fee
to Group less any amounts due to DDWA.
9.4. Reinstatement
9.4.1. Acceptance by DDWA of the proper amount of Administrative Fee, after termination of this Contract and without
requiring a new application, shall reinstate the Contract as though it had never terminated, unless DDWA shall, within
5 business days of receipt of such payment, either:
a.Refund the payment so made, or
b.Issue to Group a new Contract accompanied by written notice stating clearly those respects in which the
new Contract differs from the terminated Contract in benefits, coverage or otherwise.
9.5. Expenses
Upon termination of this Plan, all claim payments and expenses incurred prior to the termination of the Plan, but not
submitted to DDWA within the runout period after the date of treatment will be excluded from any benefit
consideration.