Commonly Asked Questions

Q. How do I become eligible for dental benefits through AAA?
If you are currently a AAA member, you are already eligible. If you are not a AAA member, you must first establish a AAA membership before signing up for Altus Dental. You may do so by visiting your local AAA branch or logging on to www.aaa.com.

Q. What is covered through the AAA dental plan?
A. For a detailed description of the benefit summary, please click here.

Q. When am I eligible to receive my $1,500 annual maximum increase?
You are eligible to receive an increase in your annual maximum from $1,000 to $1,500 once you've been enrolled in the AAA/Altus Dental plan for two years. The increase will occur on the 1st of the year, following two consecutive years of enrollment in the AAA/Altus Dental plan. For example, if you enrolled in the AAA/Altus Dental plan on September 1, 2005, your annual maximum will increase to $1,500 on January 1, 2008.

Q. Does the plan offer any orthodontic coverage?
Yes. The AAA/Altus Dental plan now offers orthodontic coverage to members enrolled in a family plan. There is a 12-month waiting period for orthodontic coverage for each eligible dependent child. Orthodontic services are only available for dependent children under the age of 19 who are enrolled in a AAA/Altus Dental family plan prior to beginning orthodontic treatment.

Q. Who can be covered through the AAA dental plan?
We offer individual plans and family plans. If you choose the family plan, your spouse and children (under the age of 19), are eligible for benefits.

Q. How soon can I receive dental coverage?
Enrollment in this plan occurs on a quarterly basis. Please see the chart below for the application deadlines and coverage start dates.

2008

Q. How can I pay for this dental coverage? Where do I send payments?
Currently, we offer three payment options: an automatic deduction from your bank account, credit card or check. When you enroll, you can set up a payment plan that best meets your needs. If you choose to pay by check, you must include an additional processing fee of $2.00 with each check payment. Note: If you enroll online and choose to pay by check, remember to include a copy of the Acknowledgement page with your initial payment.

Please send payments to:
Altus Dental Insurance Co., Inc.
P.O. Box 1557
Providence, RI 02901-1557

Q. If I choose to drop my dental coverage during the year will I get a refund?
A person may end coverage by notifying us online, or by submitting a termination letter. Cancellation of coverage is effective at the end of the month, quarter or year, depending on the payment schedule you elected. With the exception of death, there are no premium refunds.

Q. Do I have to go to a particular dentist?
You have the freedom to choose any dentist, however your out-of-pocket costs will be significantly higher at a non-participating dentist.

To make the most of your coverage, we urge you to visit a participating dentist. The participating dentist agrees to accept our payment as payment in full - minus any applicable deductibles or coinsurances - and you are protected against being balance billed. A participating dentist will also file your claims directly with us and handle all the paperwork.

Before visiting with your dentist, it is important that you find out if he or she participates with Altus Dental. If your dentist does not participate with Altus Dental, click here to send us his or her name and address and we'll contact the office directly.

Q. Are there any waiting periods to receive coverage for services?
Yes. There is a 12-month waiting period for all Major Restorative services and orthodontic treatment. For a list of these services, click here.

Q. I had previous dental coverage with Altus Dental through my employer.
Do I still have to meet the 12-month waiting period?
Yes. The 12-month waiting period applies to everyone. There are no exceptions.

Q. Can I purchase additional coverage to enhance what is offered through AAA?
No. Altus Dental does not offer individual plan enhancements. Click here for a complete description of the benefits offered.

Q. Who do I call with questions concerning my plan?
Altus Dental's Customer Service Representatives can help answer any questions you may have.

Call or email us:
1-877-223-0588
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., E.T.