Mark H. Yamakawa
HDS President & CEO
Aloha Participating Providers,
As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to affect our community, Hawaii Dental Service (HDS) understands that in order to ensure public health and safety, limiting or closing your operations will have a significant business impact on your practices, employees, and patients. HDS wants to help.
HDS is offering an Advance Payment Program for practices currently receiving payments from HDS to receive an interest-free advance payment equal to three-times your average weekly claims payment amount. We hope that this advance will help dentists to alleviate the financial burden brought on by COVID-19.
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS:
- In-network providers and dental practices in Hawaii, Guam or Saipan currently doing business with and receiving claims payments from HDS are eligible to apply.
- Practices that apply and qualify will receive an interest-free, single advance payment equal to three-times their average weekly claims amount calculated by HDS.
- Payees must sign and agree to the full contractual terms of the “Advance Payment and Repayment Agreement” to receive the payment.
- Payees must be enrolled in direct deposit (electronic funds transfer); the advance payment will be distributed to payees through their weekly claim payment.
- Repayment would begin in July 2020, payments will be deducted as 20 weekly future claim payments equal to 5% of the total advance payment amount or may be paid off at any time prior to November 1, 2020.
DEADLINE TO APPLY IS APRIL 10, 2020:
- Apply by emailing your full name, title, business name, and contact phone number to HDS Professional Relations at [email protected].
- Completed Applications (i.e. the Agreement) must be sent via email to [email protected], or via e-fax to (808) 529-9223.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The below FAQs provide general information about the Advance Payment Program. The Advance Payment made to you will be governed by your Advance Payment and Repayment Agreement.
Do I have to be a provider from Hawaii, Guam or Saipan to apply?
Yes.
How do I apply?
Contact HDS Professional Relations (PR) and they will create an agreement for you to sign.
How much money am I able to advance?
The Advance Payment shall be equal to three times (3x) the average weekly payments received by Payee from HDS for the period January 2020 through February 2020.
How will I receive this advanced money?
Once approved, HDS will include the advanced funds in your next weekly claim payment.
Can HDS make a separate deposit rather than including it in my claim payment check?
No. Because these are claim related advance payments, they are managed through our claim check processing system. All payments will be made electronically through direct deposit only. No hardcopy checks will be issued.
Can I apply for more than the calculated average?
No.
Can I apply for less than the calculated average?
Yes. Inform PR of the amount you want to advance (not to exceed your maximum calculated average) and they will adjust the agreement for your review.
I work as an employee for a practice and HDS currently pays my employer; can I get an advancement sent directly to me?
No.
This business has multiple service locations and receives multiple HDS checks separated by service address. Will advanced funds and subsequent deductions be spread across the multiple checks?
Yes.
Who signs the agreement?
The Business/Payee owner that HDS currently makes payment to.
My business has multiple owners/partners/dentist employees, does everyone have to sign?
No, only one authorized person needs to sign. It is your responsibility to ensure you have proper authorization to sign on the other’s behalf. “Proper authorization” is the authority to legally bind the payee. By signing the agreement, you are representing that you are legally authorized to sign on behalf of the payee.
Can non-participating practices apply for this program?
No.
Are HDS Medicaid payments included in the advance payment calculations?
No.
How will this money be repaid?
HDS will deduct the Advance Payment starting July 2020 through 20 weekly payments equal to 5% of the Advance Payment. Repayments will be deducted from weekly claim payments.
Can I pay the balance back to HDS directly rather than have it deducted out from my weekly claim payment?
Yes, but only if the remaining balance is paid in full, otherwise it will be deducted as agreed upon. Contact PR for instructions on how to pay in full.
What happens if I don’t have enough in my weekly check to cover the repayment amount?
The amount will be rolled over to the next claim payment check. Please review the agreement for details.