bcbs medicare dental insurance options and benefits

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Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Medicare dental insurance is a popular option for seniors, offering a range of benefits to help cover the costs of dental care.

BCBS Medicare dental insurance plans often include coverage for routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays, which can help prevent more costly dental problems down the line.

Some plans also cover major dental work, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures, which can be a huge relief for those on a fixed income.

BCBS Medicare dental insurance plans typically have a network of participating dentists, making it easier to find an in-network provider.

A fresh viewpoint: Bcbs Blue Value

Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans can provide additional coverage for dental services that Original Medicare doesn't cover. With a Blue Shield Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan, you may get coverage for dental services like routine oral evaluations, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, crowns, dentures, and more at no extra premium cost.

You can get additional dental coverage, like implant coverage, with one of their optional supplemental dental HMO or PPO plans. This can be a great way to get more comprehensive dental care with your Medicare Advantage Plan.

Some Medicare Advantage Plans offer coverage for dental services at no extra cost, so be sure to check your plan details.

Dental Insurance Options

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Choosing the right dental insurance plan can be overwhelming, but I'm here to help you break it down. The HMO plan buy-up is a great option to consider, offering a fixed monthly premium of $16.00.

This plan comes with many benefits, including fixed copays for basic and major services. You'll also have access to a large network of participating dentists, including specialists.

One of the best things about this plan is that it includes many routine and diagnostic care services at a low cost or no cost to you. Some examples of these services include teeth cleaning and X-rays.

Here are some additional services you can expect to have covered with the HMO plan buy-up:

  • 47 additional covered services
  • Lower average copays compared to the embedded dental benefit in many Blue Shield MA-PD plans

With this plan, you won't have to worry about deductibles or annual benefit limits. You also won't have to wait for a certain period of time before your coverage kicks in. Plus, you won't need to fill out claim forms.

Optional Supplements

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If you're looking to enhance your dental coverage, Blue Shield of California offers two optional supplemental dental plans: the Optional Supplemental Dental HMO plan and the Optional Supplemental Dental PPO plan.

The Optional Supplemental Dental HMO plan is a more affordable option, with a monthly premium of $16.00. This plan also has no calendar-year deductible for diagnostic and preventive services.

One of the key differences between the two plans is the calendar-year maximum. The Optional Supplemental Dental PPO plan has a maximum benefit of $1,500 in a calendar year, while the HMO plan does not have a calendar-year maximum.

You can choose between participating dentists only with the Optional Supplemental Dental HMO plan or participating dentists and non-participating dentists with the Optional Supplemental Dental PPO plan.

Here's a quick comparison of the two plans:

It's worth noting that both plans offer a wide range of dental benefits, including many diagnostic and preventive services, at no charge to you.

Understanding Dental Benefits

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Dental implants can offer some advantages over non-implanted dentures, such as more stability in the mouth, stronger chewing and improved speech and appearance.

The cost of dental implants can vary, but on average, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $6,000 per tooth out of pocket.

Dental implants can be a significant investment, but they can also provide long-term benefits and improved quality of life.

The specific cost of dental implants depends on the exact nature of the implants and the type of issue being addressed.

Enhancing Your Benefits

You can upgrade your Medicare Advantage dental and vision benefits to receive more coverage for various dental procedures.

20% of the cost of replacing or repairing teeth is covered, which can be a significant savings.

50% of the cost of root canal procedures, periodontal scaling and planing, simple and surgical extractions, crowns, dentures, denture adjustments, replacements, and repairs, and anesthesia is covered.

The specific details for each procedure can be found in the plan details.

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Reimbursement for prescription glasses, lenses, frames, and/or contact lenses is also available, with a maximum reimbursement of $150 or $200 depending on the plan.

Here are the key benefits at a glance:

Regular eye exams and teeth cleanings can help you stay healthy by catching issues and illnesses early, and upgrading your benefits can provide more coverage for these essential services.

Original Medicare and Part D

Original Medicare is a great starting point for your healthcare coverage, but it may not cover everything you need.

You can add dental and vision coverage to your Original Medicare plan through Anthem Extras.

Medicare Supplement plans can also be paired with Original Medicare to help cover out-of-pocket costs.

These plans can provide additional financial protection and peace of mind.

Part D is a prescription drug plan that can be added to your Original Medicare coverage.

It's not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.

You might like: Bcbs Plan N

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best dental insurance for seniors on Medicare?

For seniors on Medicare, top dental insurance options include UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Aetna, Humana, and Devoted Health, each offering unique benefits. Consider the dentists in your area and coverage provided when choosing the best plan for your needs.

Does Medicare help with teeth?

Medicare typically doesn't cover routine dental services like cleanings and fillings, but there may be exceptions for certain procedures or conditions. Check your plan details to see what's covered and what's not.

Carolyn VonRueden

Junior Writer

Carolyn VonRueden is a versatile writer with a passion for crafting engaging content on a wide range of topics. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for research, Carolyn has established herself as a reliable voice in the world of finance and travel writing. Her portfolio boasts a diverse array of article categories, from exploring the benefits of cash cards to delving into the intricacies of Delta SkyMiles payment options.

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