UpDate - Vol. 15, No. 30, Page FB-2
May 2, 1996
Flexible Benefits '96-'97
MetLife Preferred Dentist Program (PDP)

The University's Dental Expense Assistance Plan will include a new
feature beginning July 1, 1996-MetLife's Preferred Dentist Program.
This is an optional, voluntary program that can be used to enhance
your current coverage provided through the University's Dental
Assistance Plan. Here's how it works. MetLife has developed a
nationwide network of over 35,000 dentists who participate in the
Preferred Dentist Program (PDP). By using a PDP dentist, you can lower
your out-of-pocket costs on many dental expenses since MetLife has
negotiated special pricing for dental services offered through the
PDP.

For example, the University's plan provides 50 percent coverage for
major restorative work, such as crowns. If the reasonable and
customary fee charged for a crown is $775, the plan would normally
reimburse approximately $387.50 for that service, leaving you an out-
of-pocket balance of $387.50. A PDP dentist might charge only $559 for
the same crown. After applying the University's 50 percent benefit,
your co-payment is lowered to $279.50, a savings of $108.

The addition of MetLife's PDP gives you another option or choice
within your University Dental Assistance Plan. The program allows you
to choose to use a PDP dentist or not at the time of service. Either
way, you still enjoy all the coverage and benefits provided through
your Dental Assistance Plan.

Since MetLife's Preferred Dentist Program is new to the Delaware area,
the local network of dentists is still in the developmental stages and
is relatively small. MetLife has a dedicated team that is committed to
enhancing this network over time. Please call the Benefits Office at
831-2913 for more information.