Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California Dental Plans
Blue Shield of California offers basic dental coverage with several of its health insurance plans, including dental coverage for children who are members of the Youth Care health insurance plans. Those members of Blue Shield of California who do not have a health insurance plan that includes dental coverage have the option of adding on a PPO or HMO dental plan.
If you opt for dental coverage with Blue Shield of California, you must first decide whether you want PPO or HMO coverage. Both types of coverage have distinct advantages.
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In addition, members have access to a variety of dental services, such as preventive care, all at no extra cost. Both adults and children also have access to orthodontic benefits. PPO members with Blue Shield of California are covered whether they go to in-network or out-of-network dentists. When members opt for in-network coverage for preventative and diagnostic care, that care is generally covered 100 percent. Those members who go to out-of-network, or non-preferred providers, will be covered by their dental insurance for a certain amount. Any additional charges that are not covered by the insurance are then the responsibility of the member.
Blue Shield of California's PPO dental plans have special benefits for pregnant women. Pregnant women are eligible to receive teeth cleaning in addition to the normal two times per year. Those pregnant women who need root planning and scaling are also fully covered under the enhanced benefits.
On the other hand, HMO plans require members to go to providers in their network. HMO members with Blue Shield of California don’t pay deductibles and generally do not have to wait to receive most covered services. Like PPO members, members of HMO dental plans also have access to several thousand dentists statewide.
All members of Blue Shield of California's HMO dental plans receive a one-time coverage of orthodontic care for a period of two years. While there are generally no wait times for services, HMO members with Blue Shield of California have a mandatory 12 month waiting period before they can take advantage of their orthodontic care coverage.
Blue Shield of California makes it easy to sign up for their dental insurance and to use their services. With the promise of members having to fill out very little paperwork, Blue Shield of California also makes it easy for members to pay for both their health and dental insurance with one bill.
