The University’s dental plan is offered through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. Participants have the freedom to seek care from any licensed dentist, but they will have lower out-of-pocket costs if an in network Blue Cross and Blue Shield Preferred Dentist is used. An in-network Preferred Dentist is a general dentist or specialist who has agreed to accept negotiated fees as payment in-full for services provided to plan participants.
A list of in-network Preferred Dentists is available online at www.bcbsal.com or by calling 1-800-292-8868. Participants who receive services from an in-network Preferred Dentist are only responsible for the difference between the Preferred Dental Fee Schedule and the plan’s payment which is based on the dental network fee schedule or the allowed amount. Members who choose dentists out-of-network, may experience significantly higher out-of-pocket expenses since they will incur balance billing and will be responsible for paying any difference between their dentists’ fees and the plan’s payment.
General Plan Provisions
Deductible: $50 deductible per member per calendar year; $150 aggregate family maximum.
Annual Dental Maximum: Combined in and out-of-network maximum of $1,000 per member each calendar year. Additional $500 benefit available if services are received in-network.
Lifetime Orthodontic Maximum: $1,000 lifetime maximum per person.
Info12-Month Benefit Waiting Period
When you enroll in UA’s dental insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, the plan covers Diagnostic and Preventative services (exams, cleanings, and basic x-rays) immediately as of the effective date of your coverage. However, there is a 12-month waiting period for new plan members before using more advanced services.
Benefit Waiting Period FAQs
How long is the waiting period and what services are restricted for the first 12 months?
The plan covers Diagnostic and Preventative services (exams, cleanings, and basic x-rays) immediately as of the effective date of your coverage. However, there is a 12-month waiting period for new plan enrollees (including newly enrolled dependents added through a qualifying life event or during Open Enrollment) that applies to the following services:
- Restorative (Fillings and Root Canals)
- Supplemental (Oral Surgery and Anesthesia)
- Periodontic (Gum Disease)
- Prosthetic (Crowns and Dentures)
- Orthodontic (Braces)
What documents are required for proof of prior coverage?
The document may be provided by your employer or your previous insurance company and should include the following:
- The name of the dental insurance company,
- The Subscriber (name of person carrying the insurance),
- The Dependent(s) listed as covered under the insurance plan, if you are not the Subscriber,
- The beginning date of the coverage, and
- The ending date of the coverage
You may have received a COBRA document to continue your dental coverage when the coverage ended at a previous employer and this document will also suffice.
Plan Documents
Setup Your myBlueCross Account
All Blue Cross medical and/or dental plan participants receive complimentary access to myBlueCross at www.AlabamaBlue.com or the Alabama Blue mobile app. With myBlueCross, you can access digital ID cards, view claim statements and prescription history (i.e., Explanation of Benefits), track your deductible and out-of-pocket spending, communicate with Customer Service, find an in-network doctor or facility, view a list of preventive services, find covered prescription drug lists, complete a free health assessment and more. Blue Cross requires two-factor authentication (2FA) to myBlueCross. 2FA provides an added level of security for your myBlueCross account by requiring an extra security code along with your username and password.