How to file a claim

Deadline for filing claims

To receive benefits under the Dental Program, you must submit all claims to the applicable claims administrator within 12 months of the date of service. Any claims that the claims administrator receives more than 12 months after the date of service will not be paid.

Note: A claim/appeal can be made by you or your authorized representative (as determined by the claims administrator).

What else you should know about claims administrators

The claims administrators for the Dental Program — MetLife and CIGNA — are business entities independent of BP and independent of each other. The claims administrators are solely responsible for making determinations regarding benefits based on the provisions of the Dental Program — moreover, because the DHMO is insured, CIGNA is responsible for funding benefits under the DHMO. Neither BP nor the plan administrator will interfere in the decisions made by the claims administrators regarding benefits. Therefore, if you do not agree with a claims administrator’s determination regarding benefits, you must pursue the matter through the claims and appeals process.

If the DHMO fails to pay its network provider for services you receive, you may be individually liable to pay for such services. Additional financial assistance from BP will not be provided.

Submitting claims for out-of-network providers

To submit claims for expenses incurred with out-of-network providers, or if you have questions about how to file a claim, here is what you need to do:  

If you file a claim for benefits, an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) will be generated. The MetLife and CIGNA websites also allow you to print this information, which you can keep for your records or use to file a claim for reimbursement from your Health Care Spending Account (HCSA).

Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) Debit Card

Your share of the cost for eligible dental expenses you incur may be paid to the provider through your HCSA Debit Card, if you contribute to the HCSA and have an available balance in your account. Note: You cannot use the HCSA Debit Card outside the U.S.