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.