About Benefit Source

Is BenefitSource the same as DentalSource?

Yes, we changed our name to BenefitSource in 2011 to more accurately reflect our business.  DentalSource, our previous name, describes our dental coverage options, but we also provide a wide variety of benefits such as life insurance, discounts for alternative medicine and vision products.  We have been serving New Mexican’s since 1995.

Where are you located?

Our offices are located at 1804 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE Suite A.  We moved in the spring of 2011 to this new location to accomodate our continued growth and expansion.

Commonly asked questions by members enrolled on the Sandia Plan

What are the main differences between the Sandia plan and traditional insurance plans?

The Sandia Plan is not an insurance plan.  Members enjoy discounts on dental services when obtaining dental care from the Sandia Plan providers.  There are no deductibles, no claim forms, no waiting periods, no benefit limitations,  and no preexisting condition exclusions.  The plan is available to individuals, families and groups of all sizes.

Is there coverage if I see a dentist not contracted for the Sandia plan?

No, you only enjoy the discounted fees when seeing one of our many contracted Sandia Providers.

Am I obligated to see the specialist to whom I am referred?

No, you may select any specialist from our Sandia Plan contracted specialists and receive discounts on the specialist’s normal rates.  If the specialist is not contracted with BenefitSource, you may be billed their usual and customary fees.

If I am an active member in the Sandia plan and I am referred to a specialist not contacted by a Sandia plan dentist, will the specialist offer me reduced rates?

No, you may be billed their usual and customary fees.  If you see a contracted Sandia plan dentist, you will enjoy reduced rates.

Is it necessary for me to have my ID card present to be eligible for dental services?

No, the dental office may contact us to confirm eligibility.

Does the Sandia Plan fee schedule include tax?

No, all procedures are subject to tax.

If I wish to terminate my plan, what is your termination policy?

We require that you maintain your coverage for a full twelve (12) month period.  Please note, as with all coverage, membership fees are non-refundable.  By electing coverage through DentalSource, you are agreeing to maintain coverage for a full 12 months.  Once you have met your 12 month participation requirement, if you wish to cancel your coverage, you must submit a written cancellation request.  All written cancellation requests received by the 23rd of the month will become effective the first day of the following month.  Cancellation requests received after the 23rd  of the month will take effect on the 1st of the second following month.

When does my coverage start?

For Enrollment/Authorization forms and payment received by the 23rd of the month, coverage begins the first day of the following month.  Forms received after the 23rd of the month will be effective on the 1st day of the second following month.

Do you require a social security number to be eligible to enroll?

No, this is not required for enrollment on the Sandia Plan.

If I have insurance and the Sandia Plan, what is the added benefit?

Insurance often has restrictions such as waiting periods, maximums, frequency limitations, and exclusions of pre-existing conditions.  The Sandia Plan, although not insurance, will offer reduced rates for services that would otherwise be denied for the above listed restrictions when seeing a contracted Sandia provider.

In addition, traditional insurance may not cover many elective procedures such as the following:

Nitrous Oxide, Occlusal Night Guard, Teeth bleaching or Resin fillings (posterior).

Where can I locate my ID number on my ID card?

The ID number is at the bottom left corner.

Can I cover any family members other than my spouse and children?

The coverage under the plan is limited to your spouse and legally dependent children.  Coverage for other family members can be provided through a separate plan.

Upon renewing my Sandia plan will I receive a new ID card?

No, we only issue ID cards at the initial enrollment.  Upon renewal, they are available by request only.

Do I have the option to pay my premium monthly? If so, what are the requirements?

If you wish to pay the membership fee on a monthly basis, payment must be made by Monthly Electronic Fund Transfer.  To initiate the Monthly Bank Draft option, complete the Enrollment/Authorization Form attached to the membership application and include a check made out to DentalSource for the first month’s payment.  In addition, please include a voided check from the bank you wish to have the membership fees drafted.  Each month, your premium will be automatically drafted from your bank account between the 23rd and 28th of the month for the next month’s coverage.  This is a convenient option in that there are no monthly checks, no postage, and no statements.  The Monthly Bank Draft option is reliable and automatic!

How do I locate participating providers?

For a current list of participating providers, you may visit our website or contact us at (505) 237-1501.

When will payment be required for my dentist visit?

Full payment is due at the time of service.

Can I see any contracted dentist even though my card has a dentist listed?

You have the freedom to see any contracted Sandia dental provider regardless of the dentist’s name that appears on your ID card.

What is the difference between DDS and DMD?

That is simply a designation as to the degree the dentist’s receive from their dental school.
DDS = Doctor of Dental Surgery
DMD = Doctor of Medical Dentistry

My dentist is not on your list, how can he or she be added?

Please give us your doctor’s name.  We will contact him to see if he would qualify to join our program.  You should also encourage your dentist to seriously evaluate our program.

What is a copayment?

A copayment is the only cost to the member for covered dental services performed.

May I change the dentist I selected?

Yes, simply contact and inform us with the new office you wish to go to.

If I want to change dentists, will the current dentist forward my records?

Yes, your dentist will usually forward pertinent dental records upon request from the new dental office.

Are there benefits for prescription drugs?

There are no benefits for prescription drugs, however we would advise you to submit any charges to your medical carrier for payment review.

Prospective and Current Members of Dental PPO Plan

What is the benefit to having both an Insurance plan and the Sandia Plan?

Traditional insurance plans often have restrictions such as waiting periods, benefit maximums, frequency limitations and exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
The Sandia Plan, although not insurance, will offer reduced rates for services that would otherwise be denied for the above listed restrictions when seeing a contracted Sandia provider.
In addition, traditional insurance may not cover many elective procedures such as the following:
Nitrous Oxide, Occlusal Night Guard, Teeth bleaching or Resin fillings (posterior).

What is a deductible?

It is a provision of an insurance policy that the first given number of dollars will not be reimbursed.

Do I have benefits if I see a dentist that is not “In network”?

Yes, you have benefits both in and out of network.  Benefits are richer when selecting an in-network provider, however.

Is it necessary for me to have my ID card present to be eligible for dental services?

No, the dental office can contact the carrier for eligibility.

EMPLOYERS

How do I submit enrollment and termination requests?

Contact us via the following:
Phone: (888) 862-8659, or (505) 237-1501
Mail:  1804 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE Suite A
Albuquerque, NM 87112
Fax (505) 237-8344
Emailbenefitsource@tdadental.com

How do I request an ID card for an employee:

Contact us via the following:
Phone: (888) 862-8659, or (505) 237-1501
Mail:  1804 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE Suite A
Albuquerque, NM 87112
Fax (505) 237-8344