You have two options for dental coverage: Dental Plus or Basic Dental. Dental Plus pays more and has higher premiums and lower out-of-pocket costs. Basic Dental pays less and has lower premiums and higher out-of-pocket costs. When you make your election, you’ll choose either Dental Plus or Basic Dental, not both. BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolinaexternal link, opens in a new tab (BlueCross) processes dental claims.
Dental Plus
Dental Plus has higher allowed amounts, which are the maximum amounts allowed by the plan for a covered service. Network providers cannot charge you for the difference in their cost and the allowed amount. The maximum yearly benefit for a person covered by Dental Plus is $2,000.
Basic Dental
Basic Dental has lower allowed amounts, which are the maximum amounts allowed by the plan for a covered service. There is no network for Basic Dental; therefore, providers can charge you for the difference in their cost and the allowed amount. The maximum yearly benefit for a person covered by Basic Dental is $1,000.
Enrollment
You can enroll during:
- Your initial enrollment;
- Open enrollment in October of odd-numbered years; or
- A special eligibility situation.
Identification cards
After your initial enrollment, you will receive a Dental Plus identification card from BlueCross. You can also access your Dental Plus digital identification card from the My Health Toolkit mobile app. If you need to order a replacement card, visit StateSC.SouthCarolinaBlues.comexternal link, opens in a new tab or call BlueCross at 800.868.2520. You will need your Benefits Identification Number (BIN). If you don’t know your BIN, log in to MyBenefitsexternal link, opens in a new tab and select Get My BIN.
If you enrolled in Basic Dental, your benefits administrator can provide you with a card on which you can write your name and BIN.