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ADA Members Insurance Plans service center FAQs

From helping you find the right insurance plan to answering your questions, we're here for you.

Introduction Picture
ADA Members Insurance Plans service center FAQs
Introduction Picture
Introduction Picture

From helping you find the right insurance plan to answering your questions, we're here for you.

Select a question to navigate to answer

What makes the ADA Members Insurance Plans different from other insurance?
As an ADA member, you leverage the significant volume buying power of the ADA, which sponsors the plan. The result is low, group rates available only to ADA members.

Additionally, the favorable claims experience is shared with the participants in the form of a Premium Credit reduction. The Premium Credit is a Plan-specific reduction that reduces billed premium for all Plan participants, regardless of coverage amount. Premium Credit discounts are not guaranteed and may not be available on all Plans.
How do I increase my coverage?
To get additional coverage under any of the Plans, complete an application. You can apply online or get an application to fill out in the Forms Center within your online accountand return it to Protective by fax or mail.
online or call 866-607-5338 to request additional assistance in determining your insurance needs.
When can I increase my coverage?
To be eligible for additional coverage for yourself or any eligible dependents, you must be under age 60 (under age 65 for the Term Life, Level Term Life, Term Plus®, Critical Illness or Hospital Indemnity Insurance Plans) at the time of application. Certain other eligibility requirements will also apply to some Plans, and proof of insurability is required under most.

Any time there is a major change in your financial situation or personal circumstances (such as a new home or baby, practice expansion, or child in college), you should reevaluate and probably apply to increase your insurance coverage. Also, if you meet with your accountant, attorney, or financial planner on an annual basis to discuss your overall finances, it's a good practice to include a review of your insurance situation.

If there is a guaranteed Future Increase feature on your disability certificate, you can automatically increase your coverage — without providing further proof of insurability — at certain policy renewal dates. You will be notified on your billing notice if you're eligible for such an increase. Your higher coverage will go into effect on the next premium due date.
How do I apply for spouse or child coverage?
Your Spouse or Domestic Partner under age 60 (under age 65 for Term Life, Level Term Life, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity) and/or dependent children under age 21 (or to age 27 if they are full-time students) are eligible for two types of coverage — life insurance under the Term Life or Level Term Life Plans, and supplemental medical insurance under the Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity Plans — as long as you are a participant in the same Plan and are eligible to apply for additional coverage.

You apply for dependent coverage on behalf of your family member(s), using the same application form you would use for Member insurance. Click here for a Term Life application, Level Term Life application, Critical Illness application, or a Hospital Indemnity application.

When you apply for coverage for your spouse or Domestic Partner, he or she will be asked to provide proof of good health as required by the Plan. Both of you must also complete and sign the application. If you request coverage for a Domestic Partner, you must also submit an Affidavit of Domestic Partnership signed by both parties. Upon termination of any Domestic Partnership, you will be asked to complete a Termination of Domestic Partnership form in order to terminate this coverage. These documents can be found in the forms center within your online account
How long does it take to be approved?
It typically takes 8-12 weeks from the date your application is received until an underwriting decision can be made. However, application processing time can vary depending on the type and amount of coverage requested and the timely availability of your personal information.

You can make a big difference in helping reduce the time it takes to process your application. We appreciate your active involvement and cooperation. To expedite processing, please follow these pointers:
  • Make sure your application is thoroughly completed — with all questions answered and all signatures provided — when you first submit it.
  • Schedule your paramedical exam as soon as possible and keep your appointment.
  • Notify your physician's office so they can begin assembling copies of your medical records. Follow up with them until your records have been sent.
  • Submit copies of all required federal income tax returns and financial or legal documents along with your application. Financial underwriting requirements and an Affidavit of Domestic Partnership (if you are requesting coverage for your Domestic Partner) are available online.
Please note: If you need proof of insurance specifically to provide collateral for a loan, we will do our best to expedite your application internally, and can provide your lender with documentation to support the loan approval process.
Do I have to be an ADA member to keep my insurance coverage?
Yes. Because access to discounted group insurance is a major benefit of ADA membership, you are required to be an ADA member in good standing if you wish to continue your insurance. Some members say the savings they get on their insurance protection more than covers for the cost of ADA membership.
If I have health problems, can I still get coverage?
Possibly. Your ability to be approved for coverage will depend on the nature and severity of your medical impairment(s) and the type of coverage you're requesting. Some health problems that may not affect your insurability for one type of coverage could prevent you from acquiring another type of coverage. Regarding disability insurance, you may be offered coverage excluding a certain illness or condition, rather than being declined altogether. Because everyone's circumstances are different, contact an Insurance Plan Specialist at 866-607-5338 or ADAplanspecialist@protective.com to discuss your health concerns and personal situation.
What is proof of insurability?
"Proof of insurability" refers to the written evidence that verifies you are insurable according to the general underwriting standards of the insurance company. Your proof of insurability is generally determined through medical and/or financial underwriting. Please note: Medical underwriting typically involves a paramedical exam (which is arranged at your convenience and at the insurance Plan's expense), blood draw and a report from your attending physician. Insurance companies routinely gather information about applicants in order to evaluate each individual who applies for coverage. Every ADA Member who requests coverage through the ADA Members Insurance Plans is individually underwritten. But once you have provided acceptable proof of insurability to initially qualify for coverage, you can continue that coverage as long as each insurance Plan allows, no matter what happens to your medical condition and/or financial circumstances thereafter.
What is guaranteed issue?
Insurance coverage that is guaranteed issue means no proof of insurability is required; as long as you meet all eligibility requirements, you are guaranteed to get the coverage — no questions asked — regardless of your medical or financial situation. Guaranteed issue coverage is most frequently offered in small amounts for a limited time and under exclusive circumstances (such as during dental school or upon first joining the ADA).

The main advantage of guaranteed issue coverage is that if you meet eligibility requirements, you cannot be turned down at the time you sign up. As long as you satisfy all eligibility requirements and pay premiums when due, you are guaranteed to get — and keep — the coverage according to the Plan's provisions. Even if your health deteriorates over time or your financial situation changes dramatically, you can continue to renew the coverage at your option until it expires. And any conversion privileges that exist under the Plan are fully available to you, also regardless of your medical condition.

ADA members may have access to some guaranteed issue coverage through the ADA Members Insurance Plans:
  • The Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity Plans guarantee basic levels of coverage to all members under 65 who enroll*. Even your spouse and/or dependent children can get core Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity coverage on a guaranteed issue basis as long as you are also a participant in the Plan.
  • Student members (including ASDA members) can get $50,000 in Term Life coverage and up to $2,000 in monthly Student Disability coverage on a guaranteed issue basis, depending on when enrollment takes place.

Protective will not pay for any confinement or treatment resulting from a condition for which the insured received any medical treatment, care, advice, or medication within 12 consecutive months before the effective date of this insurance and applicable to any insurance increases.

Critical Illness Insurance is guaranteed issue for coverage at $5,000 and less, meaning approval is guaranteed without any medical or financial underwriting. Benefits from $10,000 to the maximum of $50,000 ($5,000 minimum incremental increase) are subject to underwriting approval.

Hospital Indemnity Insurance is guaranteed issue for all eligible enrollees. You may select any Hospital Daily Benefit amount between $100 and $1,000 (in $50 increments only).
What is the accidental death option?
Accidental Death coverage pays an extra benefit if your death results from an accident as defined by the Plan. When selected, the amount of your Accidental Death benefit is the same as your life insurance benefit, up to a maximum of $1,000,000. For example, if you have $400,000 of life insurance in force and purchase the Accidental Death option, your beneficiary would receive a total of $800,000 (i.e., $400,000 basic benefit + $400,000 Accidental Death benefit) if your death was by accidental means. On the other hand, if your life insurance coverage is $1,500,000, then your beneficiary would receive a total of $2,500,000 ($1,500,000 + $1,000,000) in the case of your accidental death.

You can elect this optional coverage for your Term Life and/or Term Plus® Universal Life coverage. Enhancing your life insurance coverage with the Accidental Death option can add tremendous value to your insurance protection. Please note: If you elect this coverage, any of your dependents who are insured in the Plan will automatically have this extra coverage too.
What is the Waiver of Premium option?
The Waiver of Premium feature allows your ADA life insurance coverage to continue, without paying premiums, if you become totally and permanently disabled (unable to perform any occupation) before age 60. Your coverage will continue at full value until it expires, which occurs at age 81 for the Term Life Plan, and age 90 for the Term Plus Plan. And if you have Term Life coverage in force for any of your dependents, premiums for that coverage will be waived too.

You can elect this optional coverage for your Term Life and/or Term Plus Universal Life coverage. Enhancing your life insurance coverage with the Waiver of Premium option can add tremendous value to your insurance protection.
What is the Future Increase Option (FIO)?
The Future Increase Option (FIO), available on the Disability Income Protection Plan, enables you to increase coverage automatically without a medical exam. Increases of $1,000 every twelve months for a total of up to $5,000, can be exercised at renewal time (once per twelve-month period, exercised up to 5 times, subject to the Plan's current monthly maximum) by completing the documentation requested on your renewal notice and remitting the additional premium. This optional coverage feature may be requested until age 50 and exercised until age 55.

A similar feature is built into the Office Overhead Expense Disability Plan. The Future Increase Benefit is exercisable at any renewal time before you turn 55, with mechanics similar to the Disability Income Protection Plan: Increments are $500 each, for a total of up to $2,500 in additional monthly coverage (subject to the Plan's current monthly maximum). If you are eligible for an increase, you will be notified on your semi-annual renewal notice.
Would my ADA Members Insurance Plans disability benefits be reduced if I earn income outside of dentistry while I'm disabled?
No. Whether you are capable of earning income from other occupations (like teaching, consulting, or sales) or simply choose to work as a way to stay mentally or physically active, your monthly disability income benefits will not be reduced because of income earned from an occupation other than your area of dentistry. In fact, the Disability Income Protection Plan was enhanced so members can now receive full benefits regardless of any other income they choose to earn while disabled from dentistry. As a result, as long as you earn less than 20% of your pre-disability income from clinical dentistry (whether totally or partially disabled), you can be eligible for your full monthly benefit amount. This change illustrates the ADA's ongoing commitment to providing generous insurance protection and great overall value to members.
What does "own occupation" mean?
"Own occupation" is the basis used in defining disability coverage under the Disability Income Protection and Office Overhead Expense Disability Plans. Own occupation coverage is the most generous type of disability insurance you can buy. It means that disability is determined by your inability to perform the duties of your specific occupation or profession. (If you are a practicing dentist performing clinical dentistry, then your occupation is the clinical practice of either general dentistry or one of the specialized areas of dental practice approved by the ADA, such as orthodontics or oral surgery.) That's important because your training and education have prepared you specifically for this profession, and if you can't practice dentistry because of a disability, you may be forced to change careers.

By contrast, "any occupation" disability coverage does not consider you disabled if you are still capable of performing the duties of any occupation for which you are reasonably suited, such as teaching, consulting, sales, or administration. If you purchase "any occupation" coverage, you may not receive any cash benefits even though you cannot physically tolerate the rigors of active dental practice.

Own occupation coverage may be difficult to find, but both disability insurance plans, the Disability Income Protection Plan and the Office Overhead Expense Disability, automatically include own occupation coverage for all participants.

In fact, under the Disability Income Protection Plan, you can receive full own occupation benefits all the way to age 67, regardless of your age at time of disability, and regardless of any other income you choose to earn while disabled from dentistry. (Other policies may offer own occupation coverage for two or five years at most; then "any occupation" definition usually determines your eligibility to continue receiving benefits. Still other policies may offset, or reduce, the dollar amount of benefits you receive as a result of income you earn from other sources, like teaching or consulting.) Under the ADA Plan, full own occupation benefits can be payable all the way to age 67 (or for up to two years if you become totally disabled between ages 65 and 75) without any offsets for other income. And rates for ADA disability coverage can be significantly less than other disability insurance.

If you're shopping around for the best disability insurance, consider the impact that an own occupation definition could have on your potential to receive benefits. Dentists are uniquely prone to many types of physical disabilities, and statistics show you have a 1 in 4 chance of becoming disabled long enough to collect benefits at some point in your career before retirement.1 If your family's standard of living relies on your ability to earn income as a dentist, you may decide that it's well worth purchasing the most generous own occupation coverage available

1Social Security Administration, Disability and Death Probability Tables for Insured Workers Born in 2000, Table A.
How long does your "own occupation" coverage last?
In both ADA-sponsored disability plans, your own occupation coverage can be renewed until age 75, providing you with one of the most generous types of disability coverage available. As long as you satisfy all eligibility criteria, the duration of benefits varies by Plan as described below.

Under the Disability Income Protection Plan, full own occupation benefits (with no offsets for income you choose to earn in another occupation while disabled from dentistry) can be paid all the way to age 67, no matter when your disability begins. If you become disabled between ages 65 and 75, you can receive up to two years of own occupation benefits.

Under the Office Overhead Expense Disability Plan, you can receive own occupation benefits up to 12 or 24 times your monthly insured amount (depending on which Benefit Plan you select) for covered expenses incurred within 48 months of the date you first become disabled. Concerning the 24 times benefit, it is payable prior to age 70; however, if disability occurs between ages 70 and 74, the benefit changes to 12 times the insured amount. Concerning the 12 times benefit, it is payable prior to age 75.
When are premiums due?
Renewal premiums are billed either semi-annually or annually for life insurance Plans, based on the option you elect, and semi-annually for all other Plans. When you initially purchase coverage, you will receive an interim bill for the interim period until the next regular policy renewal date. You will subsequently be billed along with all other Plan participants according to your Plan's billing schedule. Billing notices may be mailed to any address you specify.

Premiums are billed about 30 days in advance of the renewal date, which provides ample time for you to remit payment by the due date. Delinquent payments received within 30 days after the renewal date will still be accepted, although coverage will go into lapse status on the 31st day after the due date and ultimately be terminated if payment is not received timely. To keep your coverage in force, please be sure to pay your premiums on time. Our reinstatement policy will apply if your coverage is terminated as a result of a late or absent payment.

Instead of receiving a billing notice through the mail, you can elect Autopay as a convenient, alternative billing option. Autopay enables you to pay premiums, either semi-annually or monthly, via pre-authorized automatic bank withdrawal. Your premiums are automatically deducted from your bank account, and your coverage renews automatically, too.
What should I do if I don't get a bill?
If you are expecting a bill but don't receive one, please contact us at 800-568-2001 or ada@protective.com as soon as possible. You are still responsible for paying premiums when due. Your coverage must be renewed on time through full premium payment in order to stay in force. If your billing address has changed, please notify us as soon as possible.
Can I pay premiums over the phone?
Yes. Call 800-568-2001 to use our automated secure payment system. You can pay with MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover or electronic check. You can pay over the phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Can I pay premiums by credit card?
Yes. You have a choice to either pay your premiums online or by phone. With both options you can pay with MasterCard, Visa, American Express or Discover. Simply call 800-568-2001. Whether you wish to get extra miles or points, defer payment for a while, or take advantage of the financial reporting/budgeting services provided through your credit card account, this premium payment option gives you greater flexibility. There is no additional cost to you to pay your premium by credit card.

If managing your cash flow is your ultimate goal, you may prefer to make smaller, more frequent premium payments via the Monthly Autopay option. Offering you choices for premium payment, both in terms of renewal frequency and payment method, is another way we provide you with exceptional customer service. Learn more about your various payment options here or by contacting us at 800-568-2001 or ada@protective.com.
Can I pay premiums by automatic bank withdrawal?
Yes. Autopay allows your renewal premium to be automatically deducted from your bank account on a monthly or semi-annual basis for all Plans, and also on an annual basis for the Term Life Plan. Pre-authorization is required, but you can download an Autopay enrollment form and begin the process right away. Please note: A modest 2% charge applies to all monthly Autopay payments to help cover the costs of administering this payment option.

You can also pay premiums manually, after receiving your semi-annual or annual renewal notice, via any online bill-pay service such as that offered by your bank. Contact us at 800-568-2001 or ada@protective.com if you have any questions about electronic payment options.
How do volume discounts work?
Volume discounts of 2% or 4% are based on the amount of member life insurance coverage you have purchased. Coverage in both the Term Life Plan and Term Plus® Universal Life Plan counts toward your total, and if you qualify by having at least $1,000,000 of coverage, a volume discount will apply to whatever member and spouse life insurance coverage you have in force. If you qualify for a volume discount, it will automatically be deducted from your premium notice. Volume discounts are unlikely to change but are not guaranteed.
Do I qualify for preferred rates for life insurance?

Preferred rates are available to the healthiest individuals who have low-risk health and lifestyle characteristics. Your eligibility will be determined through medical underwriting.

Information that will be taken into account includes but is not limited to:

Blood Pressure
Age ≤ 59 Less than 140/85, no medication in last 2 years
Age ≥ 60 Less than 140/85, controlled with 1 medication
Cholesterol
Treated Total cholesterol ≤ 220 with a Chol/HDL ratio ≤ 5.0
Untreated Total cholesterol 221 to 295 with a Chol/HDL ≤ 4.0
Family History No death of parents or siblings from coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular
disease or cancer prior to age 60
Tobacco No tobacco use for 5 years
Driving Record No DWI/DUI in last 5 years & < 3 moving violations in last 3 years
Build BMI ≤ 29.9
Aviation No aviation
Avocation No hazardous sports/hobbies in last 2 years; recreational scuba diving to 75ft okay
Travel No hazardous foreign travel according to the U.S. travel advisories
ASTHMA Mild, exercise induced with infrequent rescue inhaler only and normal PFT’s
Mental Health Disorders No symptoms or medication within the last five years

How do Premium Credits work?

The ADA sponsors the program and the favorable claims experience is shared with the participants in the form of a Premium Credit discount. The Premium Credit is a Plan-specific reduction that reduces billed premium for all Plan participants, regardless of coverage amount. Premium Credit reductions are not guaranteed and may not be available on all Plans.

As financial experience varies over time, the Premium Credit for any Plan fluctuates accordingly. It is awarded in advance, meaning rates are discounted at the time each premium is due, even for new participants. Once you are approved for coverage, you are eligible to receive a Premium Credit — regardless of your age, how much insurance you purchase, or how long you have been covered.

Recently declared Premium Credit reductions for each Plan:

Plan Premium Credit Discount Effective Date
Term Life 32% 01/01/2024
Term Plus® Universal Life 32% 01/01/2024
Disability Income Protection 26% 05/01/2024
Office Overhead Expense 45% 02/01/2024
Hospital Indemnity Plan 45% 04/01/2024
Critical Illness Plan 45% 04/01/2024

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The information on this website is not a contract. Protective refers to Protective Life Insurance Company (PLICO) and its affiliates, including Protective Life and Annuity Company (PLAIC). PLICO, founded in 1907, is located in Nashville, TN and is licensed in all states excluding New York. PLAIC is located in Birmingham, AL, and is licensed in New York.

Protective® is a registered trademark of PLICO. The Protective trademarks, logos and service marks are property of PLICO and are protected by copyright, trademark, and/or other proprietary rights and laws. ADA® is a registered trademark of the American Dental Association (ADA). ADA Members Insurance Plans® is a registered service mark of the ADA. The ADA trademarks, logos, and service marks are the property of the ADA and used by Protective with permission. In some states, the ADA is entitled to receive royalties from the ADA Members Insurance Plans.

ADA Members Insurance Plans refers to the group life, disability, and supplemental medical policies issued by PLICO and PLAIC to the ADA.

Policies issued by PLICO in all states except New York: Term Life Insurance1 (TL-P 1-21), Student Term Life Insurance (TL-ST-P 2-21), Universal Life Insurance1 (TP-P 11-20), Level Term Insurance2 (LT-P 1-21), Disability Income Protection Insurance3 (IP-P 7-20), Office Overhead Expense Disability Insurance4 (OE-P 9-20), Student Disability Income Insurance3 (ST-P 8-20), Hospital Indemnity Insurance (HI-P 11-20), and Critical Illness Insurance (CI-P 7-20).

In New York, policies issued by PLAIC: Term Life Insurance1 (TL-P-NY 1-21), Student Term Life Insurance (TL-ST-P-NY 2-21), Universal Life Insurance1 (TP-P-NY 2-21), Level Term Life Insurance2 (LT-P-NY 2-21), Disability Income Protection Insurance3 (IP-P-NY 12-20), Office Overhead Expense Disability Insurance4 (OE-P-NY 01-21), Student Disability Income Insurance1 (ST-P-NY 1-21), Hospital Indemnity Insurance (HI-P-NY 1-21), and Critical Illness Insurance (CI-P-NY).

Consult the policy for benefits, riders, limitations, and exclusions. Benefits adjusted for misstatements of age or sex. Benefits are provided under a group policy issued to the ADA. Each Plan participant will receive a Certificate of Insurance explaining the terms and conditions of the policy. An insured must maintain continuous ADA membership to remain eligible for insurance.

1For term life insurance and universal life insurance, premiums increase annually based on age. The Premium Credit is not guaranteed but reevaluated periodically. Universal life recommended premiums consist of the costs of insurance (which vary based on the member’s age and coverage amount), the amount a member places into the Policy Value Account and service charge. Premium deposits may fluctuate or remain level.

2For level term life insurance, premiums are fixed based on the member’s age, gender and coverage amount at issue.

3Premiums increase every five years based on age for disability income protection. Premium Credit is not guaranteed but reevaluated periodically.

4Premiums increase every 10 years based on age to age 60 and every 5 years thereafter to age 75 for office overhead expense disability. Premium credit is not guaranteed but reevaluated periodically.

Coverage for dental student members is issued regardless of condition if under age 60. Coverage automatically renews each academic year. Individuals may convert coverage to the plans for practicing dentists after graduation by paying member premiums and maintaining continuous ADA membership.

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