Did you know your dental health is linked to your overall health? Daily dental care and routine checkups can help you stay healthy. Blue Cross NC offers affordable dental plans in addition to great health care coverage.

Blue Cross NC plans start as low as $22.95 and pays 100% of in-network preventive care services with no deductible and 100% of the allowed amount on out-of-network preventive care services after $20 copay.  No deductible on in-network preventive care services.

Call our office today (888-765-5400) and speak with a qualified representative.  You can CLICK HERE to get your free Dental Quote and Apply on Line.  Also, you do not have to wait for an Open Enrollment Period, you can apply all year round.

For more information on North Carolina Health Insurance coverage, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 or our local number 252-726-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.

Whether you are enrolled in Medicare, Health Insurance, or are uninsured, there are some concepts, rules and requirements to consider outside the Annual Enrollment Periods.  Here is a list of a few basics to consider about insurance despite currently being outside the heavily publicized Open Enrollment Periods.

1. 1095 Tax Forms– As most are filing taxes this time of year, don’t forget the IRS may require you to show proof of health insurance. The 1095 tax forms serve as proof of health insurance coverage.  These 1095 forms can be provided by the Health Insurance Marketplace or by a private insurance carrier, depending on how you are enrolled.  We recommend consulting a Certified Public Accountant for more information on about the need for these forms.
2. Short Term Health Insurance– If you are currently uninsured and have not recently experienced a Qualifying Event that would allow you to enroll in a qualified health insurance plan, a short term health plan may be an option. Short term plans do not comply with the Affordable Care Act regulations which allows shoppers to enroll in these plan outside the Open Enrollment Period.  You could qualify for coverage to begin as early as the next day.
3. Medicare Supplements “Blue to Blue”– If you are an existing Blue Cross of NC Medicare Supplement member, you are currently able to make a change to your Medicare Supplement plan during the month of May to take effect on June 1^st. See rates for alternative Medicare Supplement plans here.  The capability to change plans during this time frame is through the Blue to Blue program.
4. Dental Insurance– Don’t forget your smile! Dental insurance plans can be enrolled in anytime throughout the course of the year.  These plans are not regulated like health insurance plans by separate enrollment periods.  Learn More about BCBSNC Dental Insurance
5. Qualifying Life Events– If you have experienced a Qualifying Life Event, this could allow you to make a change to your health plan or enroll in a new plan. Get a Blue Cross Quote to see whether any of the Qualifying Events apply to you.
6. Report Income Changes to the Marketplace– If you are enrolled in a health insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace and you have experienced an income change, it’s important to report this change to the Marketplace. Income changes can impact health insurance plan rates and coverage.

For more information on North Carolina insurance coverage, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.

Though the 2018 Health Insurance and Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Periods are now behind us, many people forget they can still shop for dental insurance.  Dental Insurance is not subject to any designated enrollment period like Medicare and Health Insurance plans.  The BCBSNC Dental Blue plans can be applied for anytime throughout the year.  The only deadlines to consider are the application effective date deadlines.  Blue Cross of NC requires applicants to apply for the Dental Blue coverage by the 15^th of the month in order to qualify for an effective date of the 1^st of the following month.  Aside from this regulation, shoppers should also consider the waiting periods for certain covered services.  Generate a quote to learn more about the coverages and waiting periods.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC also made a few notable changes to the Dental Blue plan in 2018.  First, seniors are now eligible for the same coverage as customers under the age of 65.  This means Dental Blue members that are over age 65 no longer have a co-payment for preventive care visits.  The preventive care visits are now covered at 100% just as they have always been for the under 65 Dental Blue members.  Please generate a quote and see the brochure for more details on the preventive care coverage.  Next, the coinsurance percentages have changed for Basic services.  These services are now covered at a higher percentage than in years past.

Studies have also shown that oral health may be related to numerous other health conditions and diseases.  This is another good reason to make sure you don’t neglect the need for regular routine dental care.  The Mayo Clinic explains more about which conditions and diseases have been linked to oral health and dental hygiene.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and practicing preventive health maintenance includes paying attention to oral health.  Having a dental plan that covers your preventive care dental visits and also provides coverage for other basic and major dental services is a smart way to protect your health and the health of your family.  Unlike medical plans which are subject to an Annual Open Enrollment period, you can enroll in a Dental Blue insurance plan at any time during the year.

Now that you’ve gotten your health insurance in place for 2017, consider enrolling a dental insurance plan.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina offers dental coverage for individuals under 65 as well as Senior plans.  Seeing your dentist on a regular basis does more for your health than give you a pretty smile.  In fact, regular dental check-ups can tell your dentist a lot about your overall health and whether or not you may be developing certain health conditions.

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, there is a relationship between gum disease and certain health conditions such as heart disease and stroke.  Research suggests that oral health very often mirrors the condition of your body’s overall health and many other diseases like leukemia and diabetes actually show symptoms in the mouth, such as swollen gums, ulcers, and dry mouth.  Seeing your dentist on a regular basis allows your dentist to monitor changes and developments that could alert them to more serious health issues.

For more information on North Carolina insurance coverage, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.

If you are over Age 65 and looking for Dental Insurance, BCBSNC has you covered.  As a Medicare recipient, you may have realized that Medicare does not cover most dental expenses, which can leave you with a big gap in coverage.  What you may not realize is how important it is that you continue to maintain your dental health at every age.

Medical experts have linked periodontal (gum) disease to stroke, heart disease, diabetes and other critical health issues. In fact, nearly 75 percent of American adults have some form of periodontal disease. With proper daily dental care, however, regular dental checkups can help detect, prevent and treat gum disease and related disorders.  Having the coverage you need to make seeing your dentist affordable can make a big difference in your overall health.

With Dental Blue for Seniors, you’re covered for a broad range of dental services, including routine fillings and extractions, plus major services like crowns, bridges and dentures. Coverage also includes preventive care, such as bite-wing X-rays and fluoride treatments. That means you can get checkups and cleanings twice per benefit period, which ultimately supports better oral health.  In addition, there are no waiting periods for cleanings, routine oral exams and other diagnostic and preventive services.

Having proper dental care is an important part of taking care of your health and a Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC dental plan can help you do just that!   Choose Dental Blue for Seniors and you can take a big step toward protecting your overall health. For more information on North Carolina insurance coverage, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.

Are you looking for BCBSNC Dental Insurance and are over Age 65?  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has you covered!

Medical experts have linked periodontal (gum) disease to stroke, heart disease, diabetes and other critical health issues. In fact, nearly 75 percent of American adults have some form of periodontal disease. With proper daily dental care, however, regular dental checkups can help detect, prevent and treat gum disease and related disorders. Choose Dental Blue for Seniors and you can take a big step toward protecting your overall health.

With Dental Blue for Seniors, you’re covered for a broad range of dental services, including routine fillings and extractions, plus major services like crowns, bridges and dentures. Coverage also includes preventive care, such as bite-wing X-rays and fluoride treatments. That means you can get checkups and cleanings twice per benefit period, which ultimately supports better oral health.  In addition, there are no waiting periods for cleanings, routine oral exams and other diagnostic and preventive services. (more…)

Did you know that summer can be hard on your smile?  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina and Dental Blue, however, help you practice crucial preventive care throughout the year.  Studies indicate that extreme heat can actually harm your teeth and gums and the high temperatures, dehydration and activity surrounding the summer months make it more important than ever to maintain oral hygiene.  Unfortunately, some of the best parts about summer such as swimming, citrus fruits and drinks like oranges and lemonade, and outdoor sports are some of the worst things for your teeth.

Humidity can lead quickly to dehydration, which in turn can lead to deterioration in the oral tissue.  It’s important to stay hydrated for multiple reasons, but keep in mind your mouth needs moisture too.  To prevent dry mouth, brush and rinse regularly, drink plenty of water, and chew sugar free gum.  Gum chewing helps increase the production of saliva in your mouth which will aid in preventing the negative effects of dry mouth. (more…)

Recently my ten-year old son had an accident on the playground and broke his two front teeth.  I had no idea what to expect, but luckily our dental insurance covered most of the cost for an emergency exam, X-rays and bonding.  What could have been a huge expense wound up being almost minimal, but that experience got me thinking about the importance of dental coverage for kids.

First and foremost, I realized that having an established relationship with a dentist is surprisingly important for young children.  The day my son broke his teeth, he was scared, but the fact that he has been seeing our dentist bi-annually for the last few years made a huge difference in his comfort level and security.  A Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC dental plan covers the cost of preventive care dental visits at 100%, making it easy and affordable for you to establish that relationship.  Children can be on a family plan or a stand-alone individual plan.  Further, if you are on a family plan and insuring more than two family members, additional members are covered with no increase to your monthly premium.  That’s a good deal for growing families! (more…)

If you are age 65 or older, consider investing in your dental health by enrolling in a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina dental plan.  Your preventive care will be covered at 100% and there are no waiting periods for preventive services.  In addition, a BCBSNC Senior dental plan will provide coverage for other important basic and major dental services.

The importance of health care as we age is relatively apparent, but have you ever considered why dental health matters more than ever?  For many reasons, as we get older we are at an ever increasing risk of developing oral health problems.  In fact according to SeniorLiving.Org Expert on Senior Care & Assisted Living, Chris Hawkins the following issues are some of the most serious: (more…)

Now that you’ve gotten your health insurance in place for 2016, you may be considering whether or not a dental insurance plan is right for you.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina offers dental coverage for individuals under 65 as well as Senior plans and if you think oral health isn’t important, you may want to think again.  Seeing your dentist on a regular basis does more for your health than give you a pretty smile.  Regular dental check-ups can tell your dentist a lot about your overall health and whether or not you may be developing certain health conditions. (more…)

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”  – Thich Nhat Hanh

There’s almost nothing sweeter than a beautiful smile, but almost nothing worse than teeth or gums that are causing you pain or discomfort.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC and Dental Blue can help.  Having a dental plan that provides for routine oral exams, teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, and X-rays is an important part of oral maintenance and preventive care.  With a large network of dental providers, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is a trusted name when it comes to both health and dental insurance.

Although without a Qualifying Life Event you may not be able to obtain health insurance outside of Open Enrollment, under the laws of the ACA you can still get dental coverage.  Because dental insurance is not subject to the guidelines of Special Enrollment and Qualifying Life Events, you can enroll in a Dental Blue plan at any time during the year. (more…)

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”  – Thich Nhat Hanh

There’s almost nothing sweeter than a beautiful smile, but almost nothing worse than teeth or gums that are causing you pain or discomfort.  That is where Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC and Dental Blue can help.  Having a dental plan that provides for routine oral exams, teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, and X-rays is an important part of oral maintenance and preventive care.  With a large network of dental providers, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is a trusted name when it comes to both health and dental insurance.

Although without a Qualifying Life Event you may not be able to obtain health insurance outside of Open Enrollment, under the laws of the ACA you can get dental coverage.  Because dental insurance is not subject to the guidelines of Special Enrollment and Qualifying Life Events, you can enroll in a Dental Blue plan at any time during the year.

Dental Blue for Individuals allows you to visit any licensed dentist you choose within the network, provides for two annual cleanings at no additional cost, has no waiting period for preventive care and includes coverage for fillings, gum treatments, extractions, crowns, bridges and more.  With preventive services covered at 100%, there is no reason to let your smile slide.

Although routine oral care may not seem imperative to your health, medical experts have linked periodontal (gum) disease to stroke, heart disease, diabetes, pre-term or low-birth weight babies and other health issues.  Furthermore, nearly 75 percent of American adults have some form of periodontal disease.  With proper daily dental care, however, having regular dental checkups can help detect, prevent and treat gum disease and related disorders.

This summer, give yourself something to smile about!  Get Dental Blue for individuals and make oral health a part of your regular preventive care maintenance.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov  to apply for your subsidy, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.