Walter B. Jones: “My opinion is that the schedule of allowances known as fees paid by United Concordia is too low to be profitable. My…”

“My opinion is that the schedule of allowances known as fees paid by United Concordia is too low to be profitable. My income is solely derived from my fees. I get no subsidy from the government. These United Concordia fees are 20 to 33 percent less than the fees paid by the old administrator, Delta. A reduction of fees of this magnitude reduces my profit by 60 to 82 percent. I cannot afford to see these patients at such a loss. In addition to the fact that dentists should not be expected to stay in business if they cannot make a profit, no one can in America, the problem that I have is that, again, not only are our dentists, in my opinion, being treated unfairly, but the fact that we do not have the network to service those at the base and their families and the retirees. We have a real serious problem, Charlie, and I am delighted that you are so involved in this issue. We have a serious problem, and that is giving adequate care to our men and women in the military.”