Dental Close-Up News

Blue Cross Launches Dental PPO Networks

Blue Cross of California announced that Dental Blue has become one of the largest dental PPO networks in the state with more than 18,600 provider locations across California. Dental Blue is a dental insurance program from affiliate BC Life & Health Insurance Company. It features three tiers of provider networks with multiple price points, giving employees the freedom to access a larger network with controlled out-of-pocket costs. It offers nearly 4,000 dental specialists. Dental Blue also offers discounts for a range of popular services, such as teeth whitening and braces. Members may also now benefit from the availability of an enhanced version of Treatment Cost Advisor. For more information, visit www.wellpoint.com.
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Affordable Decay Fighting Products

Assurant Employee Benefits is increasing product offerings for preventive oral health to all dental plan members in cooperation with Epic Industries. Assurant Employee Benefits will offer discounts on dental products containing xylitol. The xylitol product line, offered by Epic, includes mouthwash, toothpaste, mints, and gum. First-time orders receive a 50% discount. All subsequent orders are eligible for a 25% discount. For more information, visit www.assurantemployeebenefits.com.
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Children's Dental Health

In recognition of February as Children's Dental Health Month, CIGNA Dental provided an educational presentation and materials to students of The Children's Learning Academy and The Creative Learning Academy. CIGNA Regional Dental Director Cary Sun, D.D.S., met with the center's students to talk about the importance of good oral care and its effect on their overall health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, by age 11, approximately half of all children have experienced tooth decay. By the age of 19, decay in the permanent teeth affects 68% of adolescents.
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Group Health Program for Retirees Living Abroad

Retirees living outside their home countries now have access to a new CIGNA
International Expatriate Benefits (CIEB) global program for retirees and their eligible dependents. The program provides primary medical, dental, and vision benefits for covered individuals in the United States and abroad whose employers are CIEB clients. Medicare generally does not provide coverage for beneficiaries living overseas. Social security programs of other countries frequently provide limited or no coverage for beneficiaries who live outside of their home countries. CIEB clients that have purchased a medical policy for their expatriate workforce can extend benefits to their retiree population. Retiree benefits are typically modeled on the benefits available under the group's expatriate policy. Retiree coverage is not available to companies without a current expatriate benefits policy.