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Frequently Asked Questions

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At Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental, our goal is to provide our members with the highest level of service available. Below are answers to some of the frequently asked questions about our coverage and benefits. If you can't find what you're looking for, please Contact Us for further assistance.

No. The Postal Service Reform Act only impacts coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) Program, not the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). BCBS FEP Dental is offered to you through FEDVIP.

A complete dental examination involves many things including checking the status of the gums, teeth, any restorations (fillings, crowns, veneers, etc.), and oral mucosa of tongue, cheeks, top and bottom of mouth and back of throat. There are many problems that can develop in the mouth that don't hurt until they do, and then the treatment may be more extensive, expensive, or even too late to save a tooth or teeth. In addition, the importance of periodic evaluation of the oral mucosa is to look for lumps, bumps and other irregularities that may even be signs of disease...even cancer.

BCBS FEP DentalBCBS FEP Dental offers several choices to our members. They are as follows:
  • We have Standard Option and High Option.
  • The annual maximum of benefits for in-network High Option is unlimited.
  • The lifetime benefit maximum for High Option for Orthodontic Benefits is $3,500.
  • If you are a Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan member, dental claims are submitted on your behalf to the local Plan for processing.

If you are a Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan member, and have enrolled in the Blue Cross Blue ShieldBlue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental Program and have visited the dentist, the dental provider sends the claim to the local Plan (or other carrier listed on your medical member ID card) for processing and issuing an Explanation of Benefits (EOB). At the same time, the claim along with any balance will be forwarded to Blue Cross Blue ShieldBlue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental. Blue Cross Blue ShieldBlue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental will process the claim for secondary payment. The member will also receive an EOB from Blue Cross Blue ShieldBlue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental.

Basic services, which include oral examinations, prophylaxis, diagnostic evaluations, sealants and X-rays.

Intermediate services, which include restorative procedures such as fillings, prefabricated stainless steel crowns, periodontal scaling, tooth extractions, and denture adjustments.

Major services, which include endodontic services such as root canals; periodontal services such as gingivectomy; major restorative services such as crowns, oral surgery, and bridges; and prosthodontic services such as complete dentures.

Orthodontic services are also included for both children and adults.


Check chart below:
Benefits Chart Benefits Chart - High Option
Benefit High Option High Option Standard Option
IN-NETWORK OUT-OF-NETWORK IN-NETWORK OUT-OF-NETWORK
Class A (Basic) Services e.g., exams, preventative cleanings, X-rays, sealants You pay nothing You pay 10% You pay nothing You pay 40%
Class B (Intermediate) Services e.g., oral surgery, fillings, deep cleanings. You pay 30% You pay 40% You pay 45% You pay 60%
Class C (Major) Services e.g., crowns, bridges, implants, root canals, dentures You pay 50% You pay 60% You pay 65% You pay 80%
Class D (Orthodontics) Services Adults & Children You pay 50% up to $3,500 lifetime maximum per person You pay 50% up to $3,500 lifetime maximum per person You pay 50% up to $2,500 lifetime maximum per person You pay 50% up to $1,250 lifetime maximum per person
Annual Deductible
for Class A, B and C Services Does not apply to Class D (Orthodontics) 		You pay
no deductible		 You pay $50
per person		 You pay
no deductible		 You pay $75
per person
Annual Maximum Benefits
for Class A, B and C Services Does not apply to Class D (Orthodontics) 		No benefit limit We pay up to
$3,000 per person		 We pay up to
$1,500 per person		 We pay up to
$750 per person
Benefits Chart - Standard Option
Standard Option
IN-NETWORK OUT-OF-NETWORK
Class A (Basic) Services e.g., exams, preventative cleanings, X-rays, sealants You pay nothing You pay 40%
Class B (Intermediate) Services e.g., oral surgery, fillings, deep cleanings You pay 45% You pay 60%
Class C (Major) Services e.g., crowns, bridges, implants, root canals, dentures You pay 65% You pay 80%
Class D (Orthodontics) Services Adults & Children You pay 50% up to $2,500 lifetime maximum per person You pay 50% up to $1,250 lifetime maximum per person
Annual Deductible
for Class A, B and C Services Does not apply to Class D (Orthodontics) 		You pay
no deductible.		 You pay $75
per person
Annual Maximum
for Class A, B and C Services Does not apply to Class D (Orthodontics) 		We pay up to
$1,500 per person		 We pay up to
$750 per person


Yes, Blue Cross Blue ShieldBCBS FEP Dental offers a Self Plus One Option.

OPM establishes the options that will be available to Federal Employees. Eligible individuals can enroll in a dental and/or vision plan. They may enroll in a plan for Self Only, Self Plus One, or Self and Family coverage. Eligible family members include your spouse and unmarried dependent children under age 22. This includes legally adopted children and recognized natural children who meet certain dependency requirements. This also includes stepchildren and foster children who live with you in a regular parent-child relationship. Under certain circumstances, you may also continue coverage for a disabled child 22 years of age or older who is incapable of self-support.

For Retired Uniform Service members, eligible family members include your spouse, unmarried widow, unremarried widower, unmarried child, an unremarried former spouse who meets the U.S. Department of Defense's 20-20-20 or 20-20-15 eligibility requirements, and certain unmarried persons placed in your legal custody by a court. Children include legally adopted children, stepchildren, and pre-adoptive children. Children and dependent unmarried persons must be under age 21 if they are not a student, under age 23 if they are a full-time student, or incapable of self-support because of mental or physical incapacity.

FEDVIP rules and FEHB rules for family member eligibility are NOT the same. However, the Service Benefit Plan does offer a Self Plus One Option.


Yes, orthodontic services treatment and braces are covered for children and adults. The lifetime maximum amount is up to $3,500 for the High Option in-network and 50% of the allowed amount out-of-network. Under the Standard Option, the lifetime maximum is up to $2,500 for in-network services and up to $1,250 for out-of-network services.

Exams are limited to 2 per year. Cleanings are limited to 3 per year. There are no restrictions on the visits per year. There are, however, limits to annual benefit dollars paid as well as lifetime limits on orthodontia.

No. Benefits are available to replace missing or broken teeth under Prosthodontic Services.

No, coverage for dependents ends at age 22 for Federal Employees. Eligible family members include your spouse and unmarried dependent children under age 22. This includes legally adopted children. Stepchildren and foster children who live with you in a regular parent-child relationship are also included. For Retired Uniform Service members, unmarried dependent children may be included on your coverage if under age 21 if they are not a student or under age 23 if they are a full-time student. FEHB provides coverage for dependents up to age 26.

Blue Cross Blue ShieldBlue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental plans include worldwide coverage. Members may receive dental treatment from a dentist when they work or travel abroad. This service is available in approximately 100 countries throughout Europe, Africa, North America, South America and Asia. English-speaking customer service representatives are available to help members find a dentist. The list of participating dentists is available on this web site under Find a Dentist. You are responsible for paying the dentist and submitting your claims to Blue Cross Blue ShieldBCBS FEP Dental. For more information, refer to our International Services web page or call Customer Service at 1-855-504 BLUE (2583) in the U.S. or 1-651-994-2583 collect outside the U.S.

Yes, FEDVIP age requirements for eligibility are unmarried dependent children under age 22 for Federal Employees. This includes legally adopted, natural children, stepchildren, and foster children in a regular parent-child relationship. For Retired Uniform Service members, unmarried dependent children may be included on your coverage if under age 21 if they are not a student or under age 23 if they are a full-time student. The FEHB rules view unmarried or married children under the age of 26 as eligible.


BCBSBlue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental provides comprehensive dental coverage your medical coverage does not provide. For instance, Blue Cross Blue ShieldBCBS FEP Dental will cover a percentage of your charges for services such as crowns, root canals, periodontal scaling, dentures, and orthodontic. Whereas the medical coverage is limited to services such as exams, cleanings, some X-rays, etc.


With Blue Cross Blue ShieldBCBS FEP Dental, you automatically pay premiums through payroll deductions using pre-tax dollars. Annuitants/retired uniformed service members automatically pay premiums through annuity deductions using post-tax dollars. The FEDVIP rules are not applicable to Federal DentalBlue.

Blue Cross Blue ShieldBCBS FEP Dental is a nationwide program and also covers overseas employees. Federal DentalBlue is only offered in a few states.


Yes, you can keep your Federal DentalBlue coverage, but it will not be subject to payroll deductions and unlike Blue Cross Blue ShieldBCBS FEP Dental, it will not have the tax advantages.


Simple! If you have our medical coverage your benefits will automatically be coordinated with Blue Cross Blue ShieldBCBS FEP Dental. Just show your dental member ID card and your medical member ID card to your dentist. Your dentist will file directly with the local BCBS Plan (or other medical carrier listed on your medical member ID card) for primary coverage and then the claim will be sent to Blue Cross Blue ShieldBCBS FEP Dental making it seamless to you and your dentist.


You can submit your FEDVIP co-payments/deductibles as eligible expenses against your FSA account. However, FEDVIP insurance premiums are not reimbursable under an FSA.

The Paperless Reimbursement (PR) is an optional program available to Blue Cross Blue ShieldBCBS FEP Dental participants who have elected to participate in the FSAFEDS program. Participants can have their out-of-pocket dental expenses sent electronically from Blue Cross Blue ShieldBCBS FEP Dental to FSAFEDS for processing towards their health care FSA account. To enroll in PR, visit www.FSAFEDS.gov and log into "My Account Summary", then Paperless Reimbursement. You may also contact FSAFEDS at 1-877-FSAFEDS (372-3337), TTY: 1-800-952-0450, Monday through Friday, 9 AM- 9 PM EST.


No.

You can obtain care from any licensed dentist in the United States or overseas. You are not required to select a primary care dentist. Members are free to select the dentist of their choice. If you use an in-network provider, you are responsible only for covered charges up to our negotiated plan allowance per procedure.

If the dentist you use is not part of our network, benefits will be considered out-of-network. Because these providers are out of our network, we pay for their services based on an out-of-network plan allowance. You are responsible for the difference between the plan's payment and the amount billed.


The Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental network includes over half a million in-network dentists and their locations nationwide. To find a dentist in your area, use our Find a Dentist tool or call 1-855-504-BLUE (2583).


To find an in-network dentist in your area, use our Find a Dentist tool or call 1-855-504-BLUE (2583).


Yes. By checking with your dentist or looking on www.bcbsfepdental.com (select Find a Dentist), you are assured that your dentist is still participating in the network. Additionally, only providers listed with their corresponding locations are in network. Not all dentists at a location may be in network and the same provider at a different location may not be in network. It is your responsibility to ensure the listed provider is active and in network at the time you receive services. Consult your Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental Brochure for more information regarding your plan design.


Yes, generally you will pay less out of your pocket if you use our in-network dentists. If the dentist you use is not part of our network, benefits will be determined based on the out-of-network benefit level. Because these providers are out of our network, payment will be based on the lesser of the provider's actual charge or the maximum allowed amounts established by Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental for services rendered by out-of-network providers. You are responsible for the difference between our payment and the amount billed. If a member chooses to go out-of-network, payment will be made directly to the member. Additionally, if you use an out-of-network dentist you may have to pay the dentist first, and then submit the claim to Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental.

Benefits Chart Benefits Chart - High Option
Benefit High Option High Option Standard Option
IN-NETWORK OUT-OF-NETWORK IN-NETWORK OUT-OF-NETWORK
Class A (Basic) Services e.g., exams, preventative cleanings, X-rays, sealants You pay nothing You pay 10% You pay nothing You pay 40%
Class B (Intermediate) Services e.g., oral surgery, fillings, deep cleanings. You pay 30% You pay 40% You pay 45% You pay 60%
Class C (Major) Services e.g., crowns, bridges, implants, root canals, dentures You pay 50% You pay 60% You pay 65% You pay 80%
Class D (Orthodontics) Services Adults & Children You pay 50% up to $3,500 lifetime maximum per person You pay 50% up to $3,500 lifetime maximum per person You pay 50% up to $2,500 lifetime maximum per person You pay 50% up to $1,250 lifetime maximum per person
Annual Deductible
for Class A, B and C Services Does not apply to Class D (Orthodontics) 		You pay
no deductible		 You pay $50
per person		 You pay
no deductible		 You pay $75
per person
Annual Maximum Benefits
for Class A, B and C Services Does not apply to Class D (Orthodontics) 		No benefit limit We pay up to
$3,000 per person		 We pay up to
$1,500 per person		 We pay up to
$750 per person
Benefits Chart - Standard Option
Standard Option
IN-NETWORK OUT-OF-NETWORK
Class A (Basic) Services e.g., exams, preventative cleanings, X-rays, sealants You pay nothing You pay 40%
Class B (Intermediate) Services e.g., oral surgery, fillings, deep cleanings You pay 45% You pay 60%
Class C (Major) Services e.g., crowns, bridges, implants, root canals, dentures You pay 65% You pay 80%
Class D (Orthodontics) Services Adults & Children You pay 50% up to $2,500 lifetime maximum per person You pay 50% up to $1,250 lifetime maximum per person
Annual Deductible
for Class A, B and C Services Does not apply to Class D (Orthodontics) 		You pay
no deductible.		 You pay $75
per person
Annual Maximum
for Class A, B and C Services Does not apply to Class D (Orthodontics) 		We pay up to
$1,500 per person		 We pay up to
$750 per person


There is a $75 deductible per person for Standard Option and $50 deductible per person for High Option when you use an out-of-network provider. A deductible is a fixed amount of expenses you must incur for certain covered services and supplies before we will pay for covered services. You are also required to pay a coinsurance amount after meeting your deductible for out-of-network services and class B and C services. A coinsurance is the percentage of our allowance that you must pay for your care.

In most cases, you will not have to pay anything up front; the provider will bill you for any owed amount.


Get recommendations from friends, neighbors, coworkers and family members to find a dentist who matches your needs and values. A convenient location and clinic hours, possibly including Saturday and evening hours, may also be important considerations for you.

Having a dentist whom you visit regularly and feel comfortable with is important to your overall oral health. The dentist you select should be someone you can talk to, who will listen to your questions and concerns and who will answer your questions fully. Here are some questions to ask when selecting a dentist:

  • How are after-hour emergencies handled?
  • Does the dentist have multi-office locations?
  • How long will you have to wait to get an appointment for routine exams and cleanings? Urgent or same-day care? Specialty services?
  • Is the office staff friendly and helpful? Do they enjoy working with children?


  • Show your Blue Cross Blue ShieldBlue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental member ID card and medical member ID card (if applicable) at the time of each dental visit.
  • To assure that you receive full plan benefits, verify that your dentist participates in the Blue Cross Blue ShieldBlue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental network as indicated on your member ID card.
  • Discuss treatment options and costs with your dentist to help you select the best course of treatment.
  • Ask in advance if all recommended services are necessary and if there are alternatives available.
  • Check your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statement to make sure you received the services on this statement.
  • Finally, make sure you understand your particular benefit plan and are familiar with the specific benefits that it covers.

Start by asking questions. Having more information puts you in a better position to make informed decisions. Depending on your situation, you might consider asking the following questions:

  • How much discomfort should I expect?
  • Can I expect all my symptoms to go away? When?
  • Will I need to make any changes in my lifestyle?
  • What is the cost of the treatment? What will the cost be to me?
  • What alternatives are available?
  • How many times have you done this procedure? How do your results compare with other dentists?
  • Will you send a treatment plan to Blue Cross Blue ShieldBCBS FEP Dental for an estimate of benefits? How long will it take to get the pre-estimate back?
  • What kind of follow-up care do I need?
  • How will I look when the procedure has been completed?
  • What could happen if I delay this treatment?
  • How can I best care for my mouth after the treatment?

Dental emergencies are generally grouped into two different types.

  1. Emergency dental conditions are those which are potentially life threatening. This type of care requires immediate attention and includes uncontrolled bleeding, cellulitis, and trauma involving facial bones, potentially compromising the patient's airway.
  2. Urgent dental care involves dealing with conditions needing immediate care to address severe pain and/or infection and to reduce or eliminate the need for emergency room visits. They are typically treated conservatively to relieve the pain and infection until the person can be seen for more substantial care. Dental issues that can cause a person to require urgent care include but may not be limited to: severe pain from a tooth's inflamed pulp, abscess or bacterial infection, dry socket after a surgical extraction, dental trauma involving a tooth being knocked out of the mouth or being angled or moved out of the socket, or extensive decay that causes pain.

Non-emergency care includes routine or non-urgent procedures including but not limited to, periodic oral examinations, routine dental cleaning, preventive therapies, orthodontic procedures other than those to address acute issues, and aesthetic dental procedures.


If you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist.

After you explain the situation, your dentist will advise you on appropriate care and place of treatment. If your dentist is unavailable, their voicemail should advise you what to do if you require emergency dental care. If you are unable to obtain care, call the number on the back of your Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental member ID Card for assistance.


Claims and any/all requested supporting documents must be submitted within 24 months from the date the service was rendered.


You can check the status of a claim, access your Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental member ID card, and review benefits online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at Member Portal. If you haven't already registered for secure member access, you can do so on the site.

No. If you are currently eligible for enrollment under the FEHB program, (even if you are not currently enrolled) you are eligible to enroll in FEDVIP. Eligible family members include your spouse and unmarried, dependent children under age 22, or over age 22 if incapable of self-support. For Retired Uniform Service members, unmarried dependent children may be included on your coverage if under age 21 if they are not a student or under age 23 if they are a full-time student.


If you sign up for Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental during the 2024 Open Season, your coverage will begin on/after January 1, 2025. Premium deductions will start with the first full pay period beginning on/after January 1, 2025.

You may also enroll within 60 days after you become eligible as:

  • New employee
  • Previously ineligible employee who transferred to a covered position
  • Survivor annuitant if not already covered under FEDVIP
  • An employee returning to service following a break in service of at least 31 days


The time for you to sign up for Blue Cross Blue ShieldBCBS FEP Dental is Open Season.

You may also enroll within 60 days after you become eligible as:

  • New employee
  • Previously ineligible employee who transferred to a covered position
  • Survivor annuitant if not already covered under FEDVIP
  • An employee returning to service following a break in service of at least 31 days

If you go to a dentist that participates with Blue Cross Blue ShieldBCBS FEP Dental, your dentist will submit the claim on your behalf.

You can reach our dedicated Customer Service department at 1-855-504-BLUE (2583) 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday - Friday.

Yes, as a Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental member, you can log in to the Member Portal and submit your claim securely online using the My Claims page.

You can reach our dedicated Customer Service department at 1-855-504-BLUE (2583) 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday - Friday.

Report your new address to BENEFEDS by visiting www.BENEFEDS.gov or calling 1-877-888-FEDS (3337), TTY 1-877-889-5680. BENEFEDS will forward your address change to us. And, when visiting your dentist, make sure they have your correct address to use when submitting claims.