Who's eligible for coverage?
Any active employees of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, East 61st St. Corporation and Teachers College. If you choose a family membership, your spouse and any unmarried children 19 years and under are eligible, full-time students are also covered. Check with your personnel office for age restrictions.

Whom do I call if I lost my card or never received one?

Call the Plan's office at (212) 305-0763 or e-mail us at CDP@columbia.edu We will be happy to promptly order you a new card. You can expect your new card by mail within one week.

What if I have an emergency or a general checkup appointment and I do not have my card?

Inform our office at 212-305-0763 and we will call your dentist's office to confirm your coverage and while we're at it, we'll order you a new card.

If my spouse has other dental insurance can I combine it with The Columbia Dental Plus Plan?

Yes, but only if you choose a Columbia Dental Plus Plan dentist and your spouse's insurance is accepted by the dentist.

I've been going to my family dentist for years - can he become a provider in The Columbia Dental Plan?

To be eligible to be a dentist in The Columbia Dental Plus Plan, your dentist must be a faculty member, alumnus of the College of Dental Medicine, or a partner of such. All faculty, alumni, and partners who meet the credentialing process and are located in a geographical area not well covered by the existing Columbia Dental Plan network will be considered.

Is there an out-of-network plan?

No, in order for you to receive your benefit you must be seen by one of our dentists.

If I believe I need a root canal or any other special treatment, should I visit a specialist (such as an endodontist) or should I go to a general dentist?

It is best not to diagnose yourself but to let a professional determine what your dental condition is, so visit your general dentist and let him/her assess your concern. If after an examination the general dentist feels you need a specialist he/she will refer you to one. Please further note, it is your responsibility to make sure that the referred specialist is a Plus provider- not the referring dentist.

What if I have a dental emergency when I am away from home?

The Columbia Dental Plus Plan will reimburse you and your covered family members up to $50 for the relief of dental pain when 100 miles or more from home.

Will my monthly premium for The Columbia Dental Plus Plan be automatically tax-sheltered like my other health plan premiums?

Yes. Your premiums are taken out before taxes.

If I waive medical coverage, am I still eligible for The Columbia Dental Plus Plan?

Yes. You and eligible family members can still enroll in The Columbia Dental Plus Plan.

How do I know if I am being charged the correct fees by my provider?

If the ADA code does not appear on the sample maximum fee schedule located on this web site, you can call our office with the ADA code and we will check it against your dentist's fee schedule and the plan's maximum fee schedule. If there is a discrepancy, we will contact the dentist's office on your behalf.

updated 12.2007