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| NEW! As of August 2009, Employers Enrolled in a CIGNA DPPO or DHMO Product AND a former Great-West Healthcare Medical Plan are also Eligible for this Program. |
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CIGNA Dental Oral Health Integration Program (OHIP), the first program of its kind, uses improved oral health to help reduce risks related to pregnancy, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The program reimburses eligible customers 100% of their coinsurance (DPPO) or copays (DHMO) for certain procedures relating to the treatment and prevention of gum disease.
Who is eligible?
If you are enrolled in a CIGNA DPPO or DHMO product AND also enrolled in a CIGNA medical plan, your employees are eligible for this program. In addition, qualified employees must be pregnant or have cardiovascular disease or diabetes to qualify.
What does OHIP cost?
The CIGNA Dental Oral Health Integration Program is offered at no additional charge to your employees if they are eligible. Clients who self-fund their dental plan, however, will be responsible for the additional reimbursement amounts.
Why did CIGNA develop this program?
Over the last several years, research has shown an association between gum disease and other health conditions like diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Additionally, pregnant women with untreated gum disease may be at increased risk for delivering pre-term and/or low birth weight babies. So, good oral health could lead to better overall health. Some examples of the research are:
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Reduces premature births: Pregnant women with untreated gum disease are up to eight times more likely to give birth prematurely.1 Research has shown that timely treatment for gum disease may reduce the risk of pre-term birth.2 |
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Promotes a healthy heart: Bacteria present in gum disease may help trigger the formation of blood clots, which can contribute to a heart attack or stroke.3 |
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Helps with diabetes: Gum disease can be a risk factor for complications of diabetes, and it can also put diabetics at a higher risk for additional gum problems. Studies show that gum disease may also make it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar.4 |
How do customers receive reimbursement?
The process is similar to Flexible Spending Accounts. Employees should follow these simple steps to request reimbursement:
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Pay the coinsurance (DPPO) or copay (DHMO) expenses as they normally would when they receive dental care. |
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Send CIGNA Dental a copy of their CIGNA ID card and a completed reimbursement form with one of the following:
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Their explanation of benefits from CIGNA Dental, or |
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An itemized receipt from the dentist, or |
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A completed claim form from the dentist |
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Please contact your CIGNA representative with any questions.
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1 Journal of the American Dental Association, July 2001 “Oral Health During Pregnancy: An Analysis of Information
2 Journal of Periodontology, August 2003
3 American Heart Association: Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, 2009 Update, p. 9
4 Journal of the American Dental Association, September 2002
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