Dental Options

2024 Plan Information

Dental Plan Coverage Options

As of January 1, 2023, Delta Dental Option B will be available in addition to Delta Dental Option A and MetLife Options A and B. You may elect this coverage option during annual enrollment, which will take place from November 4 to 18, 2022.

You have four dental options to choose from:

  • Options A administered by MetLife and Delta Dental
  • Options B administered by MetLife and Delta Dental

MetLife and Delta Dental plans offer similar services, with different providers in each administrator’s network. Additionally, Delta Dental offers greater discounts through select out-of-network providers (referred to as their “Premier” Network).

International employees: Certain U.S. benefits-eligible international employees and U.S. expatriates are eligible to enroll in the Cigna Global Health Dental Plan.
 

Benefits in Brief

Considerations when choosing dental coverage:

  • All plan options include in-network preventive care at no cost to you.
  • Will you need a crown, bridge or other dental work beyond regular checkups and cleanings? Options A have richer coverage.
  • Will you or your family need braces? Options A cover child and adult orthodontics; Options B cover only child (up to age 19) orthodontics.

What’s Covered

All options cover in-network preventive care, at no cost to you. That generally includes routine oral exams, X-rays, cleanings, sealants and fluoride treatments. The options also cover diagnostic, basic and restorative services and varying levels of orthodontia services — although Options B don’t cover out-of-network orthodontia.

Dental Networks

MetLife Preferred Provider (PDP) Network

MetLife’s nationwide network features more than 317,000 dentists, and all PDP dentists must meet MetLife’s standards for licensing, education, practice history and emergency coverage.

When you receive services from a PDP dentist, you do not need to meet an annual deductible; your out-of-pocket expenses are reduced to pre-negotiated rates and your annual benefit maximum is greater than if you use a non-PDP dentist.

Delta Dental PPO Network

With Delta Dental, you have the option of seeing in-network providers, Premier Network providers and out-of-network providers:

  • Delta Dental PPO In-Network Providers: You may obtain services from any of Delta Dental’s 377,500 PPO network provider locations nationwide. With a PPO provider, the cost of services has been negotiated to get the most competitive rates and is generally the lowest cost to members.
  • Delta Dental Premier Network Providers: You may obtain services from the Delta Dental Premier network of approximately 442,700 provider locations. Providers participating in the Premier network have contracted their service fees directly with Delta Dental and may be lower than out-of-network providers. While in-network providers (above) still offer the most competitive rates, the Premier Network is a better alternative to out-of-network providers. If you use a Premier Network provider, your dental plan benefits will mirror the out-of-network plan design.
  • Out-of-Network: You may obtain services from any out-of-network provider of your choice, but the cost will generally be the highest.

What You Pay When You Need Care

MetLife and Delta Dental Options AMetLife and Delta Dental Options B
Note: The figures in the chart below reflect what the Plan pays, with the exception of deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, which employees pay. The Premier Network is for Delta Dental only.  If you use a Premier Network provider, your dental plan benefits will generally mirror the out-of-network plan design (except as otherwise noted).
Individual Annual Deductible
In-Network: No annual deductibleIn-Network: No annual deductible
Delta Dental Premier Network and Out-of-Network: $50Delta Dental Premier Network and Out-of-Network: $100
Family Annual Deductible
In-Network: No annual deductibleIn-Network: No annual deductible
Delta Dental Premier Network and Out-of-Network: $150Delta Dental Premier Network and Out-of-Network: $300
Diagnostic and Preventive Care
In-Network: 100%In-Network: 100%
Delta Dental Premier Network and Out-of-Network: 80% of R&C; deductible waived
85% of allowed amount for Delta Premier; deductible waived
Delta Dental Premier Network and Out-of-Network: 50% of R&C; deductible waived
Restorative Services
In-Network: 80% of discounted feeIn-Network: 80% of discounted fee
Delta Dental Premier Network and Out-of-Network: 75% of R&C, after annual deductibleDelta Dental Premier Network and Out-of-Network: 40% of R&C, after annual deductible
Prosthodontics
In-Network: 50% of discounted feeIn-Network: 50% of discounted fee
Delta Dental Premier Network and Out-of-Network: 50% of R&C, after annual deductibleDelta Dental Premier Network and Out-of-Network: 25% of R&C, after annual deductible
Orthodontics
In-Network: 50% of discounted fee, up to a $3,000 lifetime benefit maximum per person (children to age 26 and adults)In-Network: 50% of discounted fee, up to a $2,000 lifetime benefit maximum per person (children to age 19)
Delta Dental Premier Network and Out-of-Network: 50% of R&C or Allowed Amount (Delta Premier), up to a $3,000 lifetime benefit maximum per person (children to age 26 and adults)Delta Dental Premier Network and Out-of-Network: Not covered
Annual Benefit Maximum per Person
In-Network: $3,000In-Network: $2,000
Delta Dental Premier Network and Out-of-Network: $2,000Delta Dental Premier Network and Out-of-Network: $1,000
Dental Services
  • Diagnostic and preventive services: X-rays and cleanings
  • Restorative services: fillings, oral surgery, root canals and gum treatments
  • Prosthodontics: crowns, bridges, dentures and implants

Note: Out-of-network reimbursements and maximums are based on reasonable and customary (R&C) charges as determined by each Dental Plan administrator. Please refer to the Health Benefits and Insurance Summary Plan Description for details.

Orthodontics Lifetime Maximum Benefit

The orthodontics lifetime benefit maximum is combined across plan options.
 

A Note About Annual Benefit Maximums

In no event can any one person receive more than the annual benefit maximum during a calendar year (excluding orthodontics), even if provided by an in-network or Premier Network dentist.
 

Note: The Premier Network is for Delta Dental only.

If you use a Premier Network provider, your dental plan benefits will generally mirror the out-of-network plan design (except as otherwise noted).

Paycheck Contributions

You and the Firm share the cost of your Dental Plan coverage. Your contributions are deducted from your pay on a before-tax basis.

See how paycheck contributions compare for each plan.

Delta Dental and MetLife Option ADelta Dental and MetLife Option B
Comparing the Four National Dental Options

Each option covers preventive, diagnostic, basic and major treatments.

Paycheck Contributions

Highest

Lowest

Coverage

Highest

Lowest

Orthodontics Covered

Child (up to age 26) and adult

Child only (up to age 19)

Dental Contributions

You and the Firm share the cost of your Dental Plan coverage. Your contributions are deducted from your pay on a before-tax basis.

Note: Your location and salary band are used to calculate only your medical contribution rates.
The costs shown below are per paycheck contributions. For the monthly cost, double the amounts shown.

Yourself OnlyYourself + Spouse/Domestic PartnerYourself + ChildrenYourself + Family
MetLife Option A$13.92$27.83$27.83$41.75
Delta Dental Option A$13.92$27.83$27.83$41.75
MetLife Option B$7.88$15.75$15.75$23.92
Delta Dental Option B$7.88$15.75$15.75$23.92

If you are covering a domestic partner or the children of a domestic partner, the IRS determines the tax status of a dependent and may impose a tax on the value of coverage. Consult your tax advisor for more information.

Dental ID Cards

The Morgan Stanley Dental Plan administrators (MetLife, Delta Dental and Cigna Global) do not issue physical dental identification (ID) cards. You can download an electronic card from your Dental Plan administrator’s website or mobile app. Most providers will verify your eligibility through your Social Security number, but you may provide an electronic copy of your ID as an alternative option.