Click here for the Delta Dental Notice of Privacy Practices

Click here for the Vision Service Plan Notice of Privacy Practices, PDF file

What we are doing about Identity Theft
 

For our members protection, we have changed how we issue our wallet cards and invoices. Both will be created with only the last four numbers of the members social security number shown.  Example: XXX-XX-1234.  The member will need to remember the first part of the id number when at the providers office.

Delta Dental’s position with respect to customer requests

to submit eligibility information without Social Security Numbers

Delta Dental continues to request that social security numbers (SSN) be submitted with all enrollment information forwarded by its customer/group clients.  Delta’s legal department, working with our compliance team, has determined that section 1798.85 of the California Civil Code should be interpreted as restricting the use of social security numbers (SSN) only in documents sent to the individual (e.g., ID card, explanation of benefits or correspondence) or to the general public.  The law does not prohibit the use of the SSN in interaction with purchasers, dentists or others involved in the administration of dental benefit programs.

This interpretation is shared by the California Association of Health Plans and the California Association of Dental Plans.  Also, the law permits the use of the SSN for internal verification and administration purposes.  Therefore, Delta believes that you can continue to submit enrollment information to Delta utilizing the SSN.

You may not be aware that health care service plans such as Delta are subject to delayed effective dates for compliance with this law.  These delayed effective dates begin on 1/1/03 through 7/1/05 depending upon the types of contracts involved (individual versus group contracts and new versus existing contracts). 

Going forward, Delta continues to review all applicable legislation to determine its impact upon our dental programs.  We understand that the use of a redacted SSN (e.g., masking all but the last four digits of the number) will comply with the law, and Delta is exploring this compliance option.  We will keep you fully informed of all future steps and actions regarding this matter as they become more clear to us and health industry groups and associations who are dedicating significant resources to ensuring its members remain compliant.

If your company disagrees with Delta’s interpretation, we invite your legal counsel to provide us with your interpretation of the law.  After a review of that information, Delta will contact your company to resolve this matter.

For further information about Delta Dental’s compliance activities, feel free to contact Diane Thomas, Information Systems at 916-631-1179 or dthomas@delta.org.