BlueCross BlueShield
BlueCross BlueShield provides health insurance to more than 106 million Americans. Do you receive dental benefits through your Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska plan? If so, the team at Crete Family Dental has good news for you -- we are in-network with your provider! Make the most of your investment in dental health by taking advantage of the benefits you are owed.
How Dental Insurance Works
Unlike with your medical insurance, which protects you in the event you need significant treatment, dental insurance works to prevent major problems. As such, it may be more accurate to think of your coverage as a “benefits” plan rather than insurance. In exchange for a certain amount of money, or your premium -- usually paid each month -- you have a list of services you can receive for free or at a heavily discounted rate.
Finding a dentist who is in-network with your BlueCross BlueShield plan is key to making the most out of your benefits. In-network dentists have come to an agreement with the company to provide services at a predetermined rate.
What Your Dental Insurance Covers
Preventive dental care is the foundation of a smile that stays healthy for a lifetime. That’s why dental benefits plans will usually cover two checkups and cleanings each year as well as a set of x-rays annually. With this regular dentistry, we can keep problems at bay and catch decay and infection early, while they are still easily treated.
If you do need restorative dental care, like a filling, crown, or bridge, your dental insurance will likely cover a large portion of the bill. Tooth replacement is also partially covered. However, even though dental implants are well-known as the best option in tooth replacement, they are usually not covered under dental insurance.
Contact your dental insurance provider directly or inquire through your employer’s human resources department to learn the specifics of your coverage.
Important Dental Insurance Terms
We know that understanding your dental insurance plan isn’t something that comes automatically. To help, we have compiled a list of some of the terms that are key to understanding your plan.
- In-network: A dentist who has agreed to provide care at a reduced rate.
- Out-of-network: A dentist who is not obligated to provide services for the insurance provider.
- Premium: The (usually monthly) amount of money you pay in exchange for your dental services.
- Deductible: The dollar amount you must pay before your dental insurance benefits will kick in (preventive care is usually outside of this amount).
- Annual maximum: The amount of money beyond which your dental insurance provider will not pay for services.
Dental insurance plans operate on a calendar year, meaning your plan renews on January 1 each year. Make the most of your benefits by using them up before they expire with each new year.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Take advantage of the fact that you are insured through BlueCross BlueShield, one of the nation’s leading insurance providers. Contact Crete Family Dental to schedule an appointment today!