Delta Dental of California HPREC offers a dental plan option that is specific to this Club
You must be a member of the HPREC Bay Area Club or Southern California HP retiree club and living in California to enroll and to maintain coverage Delta. HOW TO ENROLL or MAKE CHANGES – Information available when become member and are logged in. |
GENERAL INFORMATION
On January 1, 1990, HPREC has negotiated an insurance plan (DeltaCare® USA DHMO-type dental plan) with Delta Dental for our current members residing in California. Maintaining HPREC membership of at least one member of a family is a requirement to continue enrollment in this plan.
HPREC, INC. has no responsibilities or liabilities regarding this insurance. This plan is NOT administered by HPREC, INC.; it is administered by Delta Dental of California. *** Also, contact your dentist before enrolling, to insure your dentist accepts DeltaCare USA coverage.***
What is the difference between a PPO and DHMO plans?
The main difference between a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) dental plan and a DHMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization) plan is cost, flexibility, and how you receive care.
| Feature | PPO | DHMO |
|---|---|---|
| Choice of dentist | Can see any dentist, but you save more with in-network dentists. | Must choose a primary care dentist from the plan’s network. |
| Referrals | Usually not required to see a specialist. | Often requires a referral from your primary dentist. |
| Monthly premium | Usually higher. | Usually lower. |
| Deductible | Often has an annual deductible. | Typically no deductible. |
| Annual maximum | Usually has an annual maximum benefit (e.g., $1,500–$2,000). | Usually no annual maximum benefit. |
| Out-of-pocket costs | You pay coinsurance (e.g., 20–50%) after the deductible. | You pay fixed copayments for covered services. |
| Out-of-network coverage | Yes, but at a higher cost. | No coverage for out-of-network care except emergencies. |
PPO Advantages
- Greater freedom to choose your dentist.
- Can visit specialists without referrals.
- Better if you already have a dentist you want to keep.
- Good if you travel or live in more than one location.
PPO Disadvantages
- Higher monthly premiums.
- Deductibles and annual maximums.
- You may pay a percentage of treatment costs.
DHMO Advantages
- Lower monthly premiums.
- No deductible in most plans.
- No annual maximum benefit in many plans.
- Predictable copayments.
DHMO Disadvantages
- Limited to network dentists.
- Must select a primary dentist.
- Specialist referrals may be required.
- Fewer dentists participate compared to PPO networks.
Which is Better?
A PPO is often better if you:
- Want the flexibility to choose your own dentist.
- Already have a dentist you like.
- Expect to travel or live in different areas.
A DHMO may be better if you:
- Want to minimize monthly costs.
- Don’t mind choosing from a network of dentists.
- Primarily need preventive and routine dental care.
All questions should be referred to Delta Dental’s Contact Center at the following toll-free number:
– DeltaCare USA 800-422-4234
COST and PAYMENT
The effective dates: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026 (no increase in rates from 2017-18)
| DeltaCare USA | 2025-26 Qtr. Rates |
| Enrollee | $97.20 |
| Enrollee + 1 dependent | $153.52 |
| Enrollee + 2 or more dependents | $220.87 |
You can view the latest Combined Evidence of Coverage and Disclosure Form – V21 (52 pages) and Highlight Sheet – V21 (15 pages). All PDF documents were provided by Delta Dental. ( Note: If you do not have a PDF file viewer, click here to download the latest Adobe Reader for your Operating System.)
Checks should be made out to Delta Dental of California and sent with the enrollment form to:
Attn: Accounts Receivable
Delta Dental Insurance Company
PO Box 647006
Dallas TX 75264-7006
You will be billed directly by Delta Dental for quarterly payments. Following your enrollment, you will receive a brochure that fully describes the benefits of the plan as well as a membership card with the address and telephone number of your participating dentist.
You may enroll in the plan at any time. Delta Dental usually takes about a month to process your enrollment, and you should receive your membership card by the first of the FOLLOWING month. Your dentist’s office will be notified of your enrollment during this period.
If you decide to continue your HP/Agilent dental insurance via COBRA for a few months, your spouse may join this plan and you may join later. In order for you to join later, we recommend that you telephone the 800 number when you enroll to ensure that your name will be added and the billing changed to “Enrollee plus one dependent” instead of two separate “Employee” rates. It makes no difference which person is shown as enrollee or spouse, but if one of you desires a different dentist, then both of you must enroll under the single enrollee rates.
WHO TO CONTACT IF YOU NEED HELP
Call Delta Dental’s Contact Center at 800-422-4234 for assistance with the DeltaCare USA plan. For general questions regarding enrollment and continued coverage eligibility, or if you run into issues with Delta Dental that you cannot solve directly with them, contact our HPREC Dental Plan liaison at ba.dentalplan@hpretirees.org
v2025-06-10