Blue Cross, Blue Shield offers new Ill. PPO

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois has introduced a dental preferred provider organization (PPO) plan for individuals and families.

"The BlueCare Dental PPO plan has one of the highest maximum benefit levels with no deductibles for checkups, cleanings, and other preventive services," said Katherine Wright, vice president of consumer markets, in a release. "This saves our members money."

With the BlueCare Dental PPO plan, costs are reduced when members receive care from a network dentist. The plan allows members to see any dentist not in the network, but out-of-pocket costs may be higher. There is also a 20% discount for orthodontic services at participating dentists.

Existing individual members can add BlueCare Dental PPO to their health insurance plan without having to answer any medical questions through January 29, 2010. All family members currently on the health insurance plan must be added to the dental plan. Coverage begins after the first dental premium is received. New applicants can check the dental checkbox on the application for medical coverage.