Dental Plan Benefits

Information about the dental plan benefits for City of Albuquerque employees and participating entities.

BlueCare Dental Plan Benefits From Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico Overview

BlueCare Dental PPO offers you and your family access to one of the largest national dental PPO provider networks.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico network includes general and specialty dentists in New Mexico as well as across the country. As a BlueCare Dental PPO plan member, you can go to any dentist. However, you’ll save money and get more from your benefits when you use an in-network dentist. These in-network dentists have agreed to accept set fees for covered services and not bill you for costs over the negotiated fees (except copayments, coinsurance and deductibles). To get the most out of your plan, choose an in-network dentist.

How do I find an in-network dentist?

For a list of in-network general and specialty dentists, go to bcbsnm.com and use the Provider Finder® tool by clicking on Find Care and then on Find a Dentist on the left side of the page. You can search for a dentist near your home, school or office.

Need help? Call BlueCare at 877-723-5679

After signing up, you will get more detailed information about your dental plan. Look at your plan materials for complete details. Customer Service can answer questions about eligibility, claims, benefits and providers. Just call 877-723-5697 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. (CT), Monday through Friday.

Highlights and Fees of the BlueCare Dental Program

The following is a listing of common services available through your BlueCare Dental PPO network beginning in July of 2024. The member’s share of the cost is determined by whether care is received from a contracted or non‑contracted provider. Your plan allows you to see any licensed dentist, but using an in-network provider may minimize your out-of-pocket expenses. Follow THIS LINK for a list of fees and deductibles. This information only provides highlights of this program. Please refer to the BlueCare Dental Certificate for additional detailed benefit information. This information is the benefits book the City's HR department mailed to your home. You can also learn more at the BlueCare Dental Connection. BlueCare Dental Connection offers: • Educational mailings • 24-hour online access to the Dental Wellness Center®, which offers educational articles and special tools To access the Dental Wellness Center, log in to Blue Access for Members at bcbsnm.com and select the Wellness tab on the dashboard. Scroll down to the Dental Wellness Center section, and click the button. The Dental Wellness Center allows you to: •Ask dental questions through Ask a Dentist •Locate an in-network dentist using Find a Dentist •Research dental fees in your area with the Dental Cost Advisor • Search the Dental Dictionary for common dental terms • View videos on various dental topics in the Educational Videos section
Summary of Dental Benefits (as of 7/1/2024)
PROGRAM BASICS		In-Network Dentist		Out-of-Network Dentist MAC
Benefit Period Maximum: Plan Year		$1,500		$1,500
Deductible: Plan Year		$50 Individual $150 Family		$50 Individual $150 Family
Three Month Deductible Carryover Applies		☒Yes ☐ No		☒Yes ☐ No
Prior Carrier Deductible Credit Applies		☐Yes ☒ No		☐Yes ☒ No
COVERED SERVICES
Class 1:	Preventive Services (Deductible does not apply) Periodic Oral Evaluations Problem Focused Oral Evaluations Comprehensive Oral Evaluations Prophylaxis/routine cleanings X-rays Full‑Mouth, Pano, Bitewing, Periapical Sealants Topical Fluoride Space maintainers Perio Maintenance Palliative Treatment (emergency care to relieve pain)		100%		80%
Class 2:	Basic Restorative Services Amalgam & Composite Fillings Non-surgical Extractions Full Mouth Debridement Scaling & Root Planning Denture Reline/Rebase Repairs – Crown & Bridge Oral Surgery & Surgical Extractions Endodontics (root canal) Major Periodontics		85%		85%
Class 3:	Major Restorative Services Bridges & Dentures Implants: Yes ☒ No ☐ Crowns, Inlays, Onlays Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia		50%		50%
Class 4:	Orthodontics Orthodontic Diagnostic Procedures & Treatment Coverage for Adults & Dependent Children (to age 26)		50%		50%
Lifetime Maximum Ortho Benefit per Participant		$1,200		$1,200

BlueCare Contact for questions:

(877) 723-5697
BCBSNM.com and log into the Blue Access for Members portal.

Delta Dental Plan Benefits End Soon

For several years the City was contracted with Delta Dental for our dental coverage. That will end soon. You must sign up for new coverage during open enrollment with BlueCare. However, if you need access to your Delta Dental coverage, please sign in to your account at www.DeltaDental.com.

Delta Dental Plan Benefits Overview

Benefit Year Deductibles

$50 per enrolled person
$150 aggregate per family
Does not apply to Diagnostic, Preventive, or Orthodontic Services

Annual Maximums

Preventive Care Security (PCS) included
Benefits paid for Diagnostic and Preventive Services never reduce the Annual Benefit Maximum!
$1,500 per enrolled person per benefit period

Delta Dental PPO or Delta Dental Premier Two “in-network” choices!

Dual network structure provides a choice between more access or more savings. You have access to both!!

New Delta Dental App!

Search for a provider with convenient contact and address information.
Access your claim and coverage information.
Provide an ID card right from your phone.
Includes a toothbrush timer as an added feature.

To download the tool, visit the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android) and search for Delta Dental. Please go to the link below for more information and resources!

For more information, visit Delta Dental

Benefit Summary

Point of Service Benefits Highlights

Member Portal Tutorial

Member Portal