Washington Dental Service has been assigning randomly selected identification numbers to its covered members in place of Social Security numbers since July 2008. To date, we have successfully converted more than 250,000 members to the new alternate ID numbers.
Beginning January 1, 2009, all new negotiated groups have been set up with alternate ID numbers. In accordance with this process, effective June 1, 2010, all new pooled groups will also be assigned alternate ID numbers.
We are making this initiative a top priority to ensure the privacy of our members’ information and to address concerns about identify theft. On June 19-20, 2010, the entire community of pooled groups will be converted to alternate identifier numbers. Historically, Washington Dental Service may have assigned alternate ID numbers to some of your employees upon their request. These numbers will remain in place when we transition the balance of your employees to the new system.
ELIGIBILITY:
The assignment of alternate identification numbers does not change the way eligibility should be submitted. Washington Dental Service will continue to receive employees’ Social Security numbers on the eligibility file and on enrollment forms. As the employer, you can access the newly assigned Alt ID numbers through the online enrollment tool on our Web site. In the event that you are not set up with online enrollment, we urge you to go to our Web site at www.DeltaDentalWA.com and click on the Employers tab. In the Resources section, under Forms & Applications, you will find the Employer Online Enrollment Application. Click on that link and follow the directions for completing and submitting the online enrollment form.
COMMUNICATION PLANS:
Washington Dental Service will not be sending notification of the conversion to your employees. In accordance with our "green" initiative and our desire to reduce administrative costs for you, we request that you send the following e-mail "blast" to your employees. All you have to do is copy and paste this message into your all-employee email!
Washington Dental Service/Delta Dental will be assigning randomly selected alternate identification numbers in place of Social Security numbers on June 19-20, 2010. This is being done to ensure the privacy of members’ information and to address concerns about identify theft. To access your newly alternate ID assigned number, simply log onto the WDS Web site at www.DeltaDentalWA.com after June 20. Click on the Patients tab on the top navigation bar. Once you have signed in with your user name and secure password, you will see Print ID Card in the center of your screen. Simply click on the green Print ID Card link below the card to view or print your card.
You can also call WDS customer service at (800) 554-1907 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to get your new alternate identification number. Claims that are received with either your Social Security or alternate ID number will be processed, and the explanation of benefits you receive will have your Alt ID number displayed. Your alternate ID number will be provided to your dentist on his or her payment voucher. |