In our last blog, we shared the news that Dental Health Alliance (DHA) had entered into a lease share with MetLife. At that time, the agreement was one-way only: MetLife PPO members could access DHA providers in-network, but the reverse wasn’t true.
That’s now changed. The arrangement has been updated to be reciprocal, which means if you hold a direct contract with MetLife, you can also pick up DHA access through that relationship.
Recap of the Original Arrangement
– Start Dates:
– October 18, 2025 – Most states (except CA, IL, NC, NJ, VA, WA)
– November 17, 2025 – CA, IL, VA
– Pending – NC, NJ, WA (upon state approval)
– Fee Schedules: Your DHA fee schedule applies when MetLife patients process through this lease. Direct contracts typically override shared agreements.
– Products Covered: Commercial PPO dental plans only.
– Orthodontia: Excluded from the arrangement.
What’s New With Reciprocity
👉 If you hold a direct contract with DHA (but not MetLife): No change—you’ll continue to see MetLife PDP+ patients in-network through your DHA agreement.
👉 If you hold a direct contract with both DHA and MetLife: Direct contracts should still take priority. You’re unlikely to notice much of a change.
👉 If you hold a direct contract with DHA and are in-network with MetLife through another lease (e.g., Dentemax, Connection): You may see shifts in how MetLife claims are routed. Watch your EOBs closely to confirm which fee schedule is being applied.
👉 If you hold a direct contract with MetLife (but not DHA): This is where the change matters. You can now access DHA members through your MetLife contract, potentially increasing your in-network patient base.
Why This Matters
Reciprocal lease shares expand patient access in both directions. For some practices, that’s a welcome opportunity. For others, it can mean new routing of claims that may not always work in your favor financially.
As with any lease arrangement:
– Monitor your EOBs in the first 60 days after the update
– Verify which schedule is being applied when MetLife or DHA patients are processed
– Reassess your participation strategy if reimbursements shift unfavorably
The Bottom Line
The DHA–MetLife lease share has gone from one-way to two-way. If you’re credentialed with either network, this could expand your in-network reach. Whether it’s an advantage or a headache depends on your unique setup.
We’ll continue to monitor this agreement and share updates as more details unfold.