Estimate of Eligible Benefits. A Dentist may propose a planned dental treatment or series of dental procedures. A Member may choose to obtain a written estimate of the benefits available for such procedures. CareFirst encourages a Member to obtain a written Estimate of Eligible Benefits (CareFirst’s written estimate of benefits before a service is rendered) also known as a pre- treatment estimate (PTE) for major dental procedures, thereby alerting a Member of the out-of-pocket expenses that may be associated with the treatment plan, related deductibles, co-insurance and/or procedures that are not Covered Dental Services. Based on an Estimate of Eligible Benefits or PTE from CareFirst, a Member can decide whether or not to incur the expense that may be associated with a particular treatment plan. Failure to obtain an Estimate of Eligible Benefits or PTE has no effect on the benefits to which a Member is entitled. A Member may choose to forgo the Estimate of Eligible Benefits or PTE and proceed with treatment. After the services are rendered, the claim will be reviewed by CareFirst. Should the review determine that the service(s) rendered meet CareFirst’s criteria for benefits, the benefits will be provided as described in this Description of Covered Services. However, should the review of the claim determine that the treatment or procedures did not meet CareFirst’s criteria for benefits, benefits will not be provided. To request an Estimate of Eligible Benefits or PTE prior to receiving dental treatment or dental procedures, a Member should contact his or her Dentist who will coordinate the request on the Member’s behalf. If the Dentist has any questions about the process, he or she may contact the CareFirst Provider Services Department or go to the CareFirst website at xxx.xxxxxxxxx.xxx, which lists information in the Physicians and Providers section, under the subsection for Dental, and list of Resources. The Estimate of Eligible Benefits or PTE is merely an estimate, and it cannot be considered a guarantee of the Member’s benefits or enrollment. SAMPLE The process is different for orthodontic services. The Affordable Care Act requires that orthodontics must be Medically Necessary to be Covered Dental Services. To request a PTE for orthodontic services, the Member must see an orthodontist who will do an exam and orthodontic assessment that may include taking orthodontic records (study models and certain x-rays). The orthodontist will then complete a case assessment using a scoring tool...
Estimate of Eligible Benefits. A Dentist may propose a planned dental treatment or series of dental procedures. A Member may choose to obtain a written estimate of the benefits available for such procedures. CareFirst BlueChoice encourages a Member to obtain a written Estimate of Eligible Benefits (CareFirst’s written estimate of benefits before a service is rendered) also known as a pre-treatment estimate (PTE) for major dental procedures, thereby alerting a Member of the out-of-pocket expenses that may be associated with the treatment plan, related deductibles, co-insurance and/or procedures that are not Covered Dental Services. Based on an Estimate of Eligible Benefits or PTE from CareFirst BlueChoice, a Member can decide whether or not to incur the expense that may be associated with a particular treatment plan. Failure to obtain an Estimate of Eligible Benefits or PTE has no effect on the benefits to which a Member is entitled. A Member may choose to forgo the Estimate of Eligible Benefits or PTE and proceed with treatment. After the services are rendered, the claim will be reviewed by CareFirst BlueChoice. Should the review determine that the service(s) rendered meet CareFirst’s criteria for benefits, the benefits will be provided as described in this Description of Covered Services. However, should the review of the claim determine that the treatment or procedures did not meet CareFirst BlueChoice’s criteria for benefits, benefits will not be provided.
