Anthem BCBS Dental Insurance Review 2024 (2024)

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

  • Health Insurance
  • Best Health Insurance Companies

By

Elizabeth Rivelli

Anthem BCBS Dental Insurance Review 2024 (1)

Full Bio

Elizabeth Rivelli is an insurance writer passionate about helping people navigate the complex world of insurance to help them make empowered choices.

Learn about our editorial policies

Updated June 24, 2024

Fact checked by

Bobby L. Hickman, FLMI CLU

Anthem BCBS Dental Insurance Review 2024 (2)

Fact checked byBobby L. Hickman, FLMI CLU

Full Bio

Bobby L. Hickman is a longtime business and financial journalist who brings decades of experience in insurance and financial services to his editor role at Investopedia. He has worked with insurance and financial services companies, such as AFLAC, Allstate, Confederation Life, Farm Bureau, SunLife, and others. His editorial clients include the Atlanta Business Chronicle and Advisors magazine.

Learn about our editorial policies

Anthem BCBS Dental Insurance Review 2024 (3)

Our Take

Anthem’s dental insurance plans offer fast, comprehensive access to coverage with shorter waiting periods and better premiums than many of its competitors. However, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield only operates in 14 states and the annual maximum coverage cap for its sample plan is a little less than some companies on our best dental insurers list.

Still, Anthem was our overall top pick for the best dental insurance companies with no waiting period and appeared on our list of the best dental insurance companies for braces.

  • Pros & Cons
  • Company Overview

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Quick access to benefits

  • High coverage percentages for major care

  • Plans with orthodontic coverage

  • Decent premium for sample plan

Cons

  • Limited state availability

  • Lower annual maximum coverage limit for sample plan than some competitors

  • Difficult to get details

Company Overview

Anthem is a subsidiary of Elevance Health, one of the U.S.’s largest health insurers for medical membership. As of December 2023, Elevance served around 47 million medical members and 6,820 dental plan members. In the 14 states where it operates, Anthem is part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Association.

  • Year Founded: 1946
  • Headquarters: Indianapolis
  • Kinds of Dental Policies: HMO, PPO
  • Customer Service Contact Info: 1-833-959-1551
  • Official Website: https://www.anthem.com/
  • Availability14 states
  • Deductible for Sample Plan$50
  • Annual Maximum Benefit for Sample Plan$1,000

Anthem BCBS Dental Insurance Review 2024 (4)

overall rating

4.1

Table of Contents

Anthem BCBS Dental Insurance Review 2024

  • Pros Explained

  • Cons Explained

  • Types of Dental Insurance Offered

  • Other Types

  • Anthem Dental Plans

  • Cost

  • Comparison

  • Customer Service

  • Customer Satisfaction

  • The Bottom Line

  • FAQs

  • Methodology

Pros Explained

  • Quick access to benefits: You can access basic care after a three-month waiting period, and major care after only a six-month waiting period. These waits are much shorter than the more standard six months for basic dental and 12 months for major dental procedures, respectively.
  • High coverage percentages for major care: Major care includes expensive procedures, and Anthem covers major care at 50% after you hit your deductible, a higher percentage than many competitors.
  • Plans with orthodontic coverage: Anthem sells PPO insurance plans providing child orthodontic coverage, and HMO plans with child and adult orthodontic coverage.
  • Decent premium for sample plan: The average dental insurance premium is $35.98 per month for Anthem’s sample plan in the two ZIP codes we studied. Anthem doesn’t have the cheapest premiums, but the cost is better than many other insurers we reviewed.

Cons Explained

  • Limited state availability: Anthem only operates in 14 states, and some plans may only be available in some locations within those states.
  • Lower annual maximum coverage limit for sample plan than some competitors: Anthem’s Essential Choice PPO Silver caps the amount it will pay for your care in one year at $1,000, which is lower than some of the highest-rated companies we evaluated.
  • Difficult to get details: While some dental insurance competitors offer detailed policy documents online so you can see exactly what you’re buying before you pay your first premium, Anthem doesn’t do so.

Types of Dental Insurance Offered by Anthem

Anthem sells dental insurance in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, New Hampshire, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Anthem PPOs

In most states, Anthem offers five PPO Essential Choice dental insurance policies. Each plan differs regarding the covered services, coinsurances, waiting periods, and annual maximum benefits.

Similar to Affordable Care Act (ACA)-type plans, Anthem categorizes PPOs coverages by using the names of various metal levels in most states.

  • Bronze: Preventive only
  • Silver: Preventive, basic, and major coverage
  • Gold: Similar to Silver, but with higher annual max and coverage for basic
  • Platinum: Similar to Gold coverage, but includes orthodontia for children
  • Incentive: Similar to Platinum, but with very high coverage percentages, no waiting periods, and lower coinsurance in years two and three to reward preventive care

Depending on where you live, plans may also be known by other names, such as Basic, Select, Classic, and Premier.

Anthem HMOs

Anthem also sells a dental managed-care plan, but it’s not as widely available. Depending on your state, this dental health maintenance organization (DHMO or HMO) may be called Dental Net 3000D or Enhanced Care Plus Option D.

This plan features unlimited cleanings, no waiting periods for any coverage level, and no deductible for preventive and diagnostic services. The HMO plan also covers orthodontia for children and adults.

As with most health maintenance organizations, you must choose an in-network dentist to take advantage of the flat, affordable copays. Some cities and counties will have more in-network providers than others.

Other Types of Insurance Offered by Anthem

Anthem frequently allows you to bundle stand-alone dental insurance with vision coverage. In addition to individual and family dental insurance plans, Anthem also offers the following types of insurance:

  • Group and individual health insurance
  • Short-term health insurance
  • Medicare Supplement insurance
  • Medicaid
  • Disability insurance
  • Travel insurance
  • Supplemental insurance

Anthem Dental Plans

Here’s how Anthem’s more broadly based PPO-based dental plans stack up.

Plan NamePreventive Care: Plan PaysBasic Care: Plan PaysMajor Care: Plan PaysDeductibleAnnual Max. Benefit
Essential Choice Bronze100%50% after a three-month waiting periodNot covered$50$1,000
Essential Choice Silver100%50% after a three-month waiting period50% after a six-month waiting period$50$1,000
Essential Choice Gold100%80% after a three-month waiting period50% after a six-month waiting period$50$1,500
Essential Choice Platinum100%80% after a three-month waiting period50% after a six-month waiting period$50$2,000
Essential Choice Incentive100%60% with no waiting period; that increases to 80% by year three30% with no waiting period; increases to 50% by year three$50$2,500

How Much Does Anthem Dental Insurance Cost?

Anthem’s dental insurance premiums vary by state. For the Essential Choice PPO Silver plan, premiums range from $27.45 to $39.75 per month. Plans that provide more coverage and higher annual maximums have more expensive rates. The deductible for all Anthem PPO dental plans is $50 per person.

Below, you can see the monthly premium for Anthem’s Essential Choice PPO Silver plan in the 10 most populated states where the company operates:

Cost of Anthem Essential Choice PPO Silver Plan in 10 States
StateMonthly Premium
California (ZIP code 90011)$39.75
New York (10001)$33.75
Ohio (43123)$29.95
Georgia (30349)$32.20
Virginia (22035)$32.45
Indiana (46229)$31.95
Missouri (63118)$32.50
Wisconsin (53215)$37.15
Colorado (80916)$29.60
Kentucky (40160)$27.45

How Does Anthem Compare to Other Dental Insurance Companies?

Anthem’s sample dental insurance plan is reasonably priced compared to some other insurers. For example, Delta Dental has a higher premium for its lowest-cost PPO covering preventive, basic, and major dental care. Physicians Mutual’s premium is lower, but it only covers care at a lower percentage (25% versus Anthem’s 50%), so you could be responsible for more out-of-pocket costs.

In terms of annual maximum benefits, Anthem’s plan has a lower cap than Delta Dental’s and Physicians Mutual’s.

CompanyAvg. Premium (Sample Plan)Avg. Deductible (Sample Plan)Avg. Annual Max Benefit (Sample Plan)
Anthem$35.98$50$1,000
Delta Dental$53.58$50$2,000
Physicians Mutual$30.50$0Unlimited

Customer Service

To get in touch with an Anthem dental insurance agent, call 1-833-959-1551 during business hours. You can also find state-specific contact information by visiting the online contact page and selecting your state. Anthem members can chat with a live agent through the online portal.

MediumContact InfoAvailability
Phone1-833-959-15518 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET

Customer Satisfaction

Anthem has good customer satisfaction overall. The company’s three-year average complaint index from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) indicated the insurer had slightly fewer complaints than expected for its size.

The Bottom Line

Anthem can be a good dental insurance provider if you want to use your dental benefits soon after you enroll. You can access basic care after a three-month waiting period and pay just 50% of the costs. The 50% coverage is fairly standard, but the three-month wait is shorter than many other plans. Major care is covered at 50% after only six months. Other insurers we reviewed offer less coverage for major care, and many have a longer waiting period (usually 12 months).

But because Anthem operates only in 14 states, it’s not an option for everyone shopping for dental insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Does Dental Insurance Work?

Dental insurance helps pay for procedures your plan describes as “covered.” That coverage typically includes annual cleanings and diagnostic exams. Dental insurance may cover also cover more complex care such as fillings, X-rays, crowns, root canals, and simple extractions. Most plans have cost-sharing, where your plan pays for a percentage of your treatment, and you pay the rest out of pocket. Many plans also require a deductible, which you must meet before your plan will start covering your dental care.

How Do You Apply for Anthem Dental Insurance?

You can apply for an Anthem dental insurance plan online. Visit the website and enter your ZIP code to see dental insurance plans in your area. Once you select a plan, you can purchase coverage online. You can also apply for dental insurance by calling an Anthem agent at 1-833-959-1551.

Who Accepts Anthem Dental Insurance?

There are 136,000 dental providers in Anthem’s dental insurance network, but with the PPO plans, you can see any dentist you choose—in most cases, the in-network and out-of-network amounts are reimbursed at the same rate. However, Anthem’s network is smaller than average compared to some of the largest dental insurance companies.

Is Dental Insurance From Anthem Worth It?

Anthem’s dental insurance can be worth it if you need major dental care, but perhaps not if you mostly need preventive care. The average annual premium for Anthem’s sample plan is $431.64 per year. This is more than you’d likely spend for two cleanings per year, even if you also had X-rays done.

But if you needed a porcelain crown, for instance, these costs could run between $1,213 and $2,200. Anthem’s sample plan covers 50% of major care after you pay a $50 deductible. Your plan could cover roughly $606 to $1100 for a crown, although these amounts could vary. In this case, Anthem’s dental insurance would save you money. If you use the insurance for additional procedures, you could save even more.

How Do You Cancel Anthem Dental Insurance?

To cancel an Anthem dental insurance plan, you must contact an agent or submit your request to cancel in writing. Once your policy is canceled, you will be refunded for any unused premiums. You won’t be able to purchase a new Anthem dental insurance plan for at least 24 months.

How We Chose the Best Dental Insurance Companies

To determine which dental insurance companies to review, we tapped into both market data and public sentiment. We used business and industry databases to get insights into market share, and user-generated data from Google to understand trends and public interest in stand-alone dental plans. This analysis narrowed our focus to 17 key companies offering dental coverage to individuals, regardless of whether their health insurance was purchased through state or federal marketplaces or independently.

We collected data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), a standard-setting and regulatory support organization that maintains a database of customer complaints. We also gathered data directly from companies via websites, media contacts, and existing partnerships. The data collection process took place between Oct. 9, 2023, and Dec. 23, 2023.

We then developed a quantitative model that scored each dental insurance provider based on 35 criteria that fall into five major categories and are crucial in evaluating the company’s offerings and benefits. We weighted the five categories as follows for this article:

  • State Availability: 5%
  • Customer Satisfaction: 15%
  • Cost: 36%
  • Coverage: 42%
  • Customer Service: 2%

To learn more about our process for finding the best dental insurance companies, read our full methodology.

Article Sources

Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in oureditorial policy.

  1. Elevance. "Form 10-K."

Related Articles
Spirit Dental Insurance Review 2024 MetLife Dental Insurance Review 2024 DentaQuest Dental Insurance Review 2024 Physicians Mutual Dental Insurance Review 2024 Delta Dental Insurance Review 2024 Best Dental Insurance Companies With No Waiting Periods for June 2024
  • #
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M
  • N
  • O
  • P
  • Q
  • R
  • S
  • T
  • U
  • V
  • W
  • X
  • Y
  • Z

Investopedia is part of the Dotdash Meredithpublishingfamily.

Anthem BCBS Dental Insurance Review 2024 (2024)

FAQs

What is the best insurance for dental? ›

The best dental insurance companies are Anthem and Guardian, according to our analysis of large dental insurers. Anthem's Essential Choice PPO Platinum plan received five out of five stars in our evaluation.

What is the difference between Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Anthem? ›

Blue Cross Blue Shield sells health insurance and Medicare in more states than Anthem. Anthem offers health insurance policies in only 14 states. In contrast, you can find a Blue Cross Blue Shield company in every state.

Is aflac dental worth it? ›

Dental insurance is worth it if you are looking for additional support for minor and major dental procedures. With an Aflac dental insurance plan, the costs of cleanings, crowns, bridges, and implants can be significantly minimized. For some of our basic and preventative services, there is little to no waiting period.

How long has Anthem insurance been around? ›

In 1946, Anthem began in Indianapolis, Indiana, as Mutual Hospital Insurance Inc. and Mutual Medical Insurance Inc.

What companies have the best dental benefits? ›

Companies like UnitedHealthcare, Cigna and Delta Dental offer plans for individuals with no waiting period for preventative care, while Renaissance Dental and MetLife Dental provide access to large networks of providers. Anthem is also a great option if you want access to digital tools and resources.

Why is dental work so expensive even with insurance? ›

Why is dental work so expensive even with insurance? Dental insurance doesn't usually pay 100% of dental costs, so you still have to pay a portion of the bill. For instance, a policy may pay only 10% or 20% for major care, like oral surgery, or it could pay 50%, depending on the dental plan.

What is the difference between a PPO and a HMO? ›

HMO plans typically have lower monthly premiums. You can also expect to pay less out of pocket. PPOs tend to have higher monthly premiums in exchange for the flexibility to use providers both in and out of network without a referral.

Is Anthem Blue the same as Medicare? ›

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a Medicare Advantage plan with a Medicare contract. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a D-SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield depends on contract renewal.

What are the four most common health insurance plans? ›

Preferred provider organization (PPO) plan. Health maintenance organization (HMO) plan. Point of service (POS) plan. Exclusive provider organization (EPO)

How much do most people pay for dental insurance? ›

Monthly premiums

The premium is a monthly amount that you and/or your employer pays for insurance. The premium amount may vary between different insurance companies and from plan to plan. A typical premium amount for a dental plan may be $20–$50 per month for an individual or $50–$150 per month for a family.

How much does most dental insurance pay for implants? ›

In general, most dental implant insurance policies will cover a portion of the cost of the procedure. However, the percentage they cover varies widely from policy to policy. Some policies may only cover 50% of the cost, while others may cover up to 70%.

How long is the Aflac dental waiting period? ›

Aflac offers affordable coverage. There are no waiting periods for preventive services and the deductible decreases over time. Plus, you can save money if you use in-network providers. Chat with an agent to learn more about Aflac dental insurance and figure out whether it aligns with your financial needs and goals.

What is the difference between BCBS and Anthem? ›

Anthem Medicare Advantage plans are available in a limited number of states but offer competitive premiums and plenty of $0-premium options. Blue Cross Blue Shield is a collective of 33 different companies, and many are geographically specific, offering benefits targeted to local members.

What 14 states is Anthem in? ›

We serve our members as the Blue Cross licensee for California and as the Blue Cross and Blue Shield, or BCBS, licensee for Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri (excluding 30 counties in the Kansas City area), Nevada, New Hampshire, New York (in the New York City metropolitan area and ...

Is Anthem bigger than United Healthcare? ›

No, UnitedHealthcare is bigger than Anthem in terms of the number of health insurance customers, serving almost 50 million compared to Anthem's 40 million. UnitedHealthcare has the largest enrollment in the United States.

What is the best dental plan in CA? ›

Top Dental Insurance Companies in California:
  • Delta Dental of California. Pros: Delta Dental is a well-established and widely recognized dental insurance provider. ...
  • Anthem Blue Cross. ...
  • MetLife Dental. ...
  • Guardian Life Dental. ...
  • Aetna Dental. ...
  • UCLA Dental.

What is the most common form of dental insurance? ›

According to the National Association of Dental Plans, Dental PPO plans are the most predominant type of plan in the U.S. market; 82 percent of all dental policies are PPOs.

Is Cigna good insurance? ›

Is Cigna good insurance? Cigna is a good insurance company, but it isn't usually the best option for most people. Even in the states where its rates are cheaper than the state average, Cigna usually isn't the cheapest health insurance. And its customer satisfaction is typically lower than average.

How much is dental insurance in California per month? ›

Monthly premiums for adults purchasing stand-alone or family dental coverage through the exchange vary from $50 to $267. According to IHC Specialty Benefits, the average monthly premium for a stand-alone family dental plan sold in California in 2023 was $61.24.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Edmund Hettinger DC

Last Updated:

Views: 5541

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Edmund Hettinger DC

Birthday: 1994-08-17

Address: 2033 Gerhold Pine, Port Jocelyn, VA 12101-5654

Phone: +8524399971620

Job: Central Manufacturing Supervisor

Hobby: Jogging, Metalworking, Tai chi, Shopping, Puzzles, Rock climbing, Crocheting

Introduction: My name is Edmund Hettinger DC, I am a adventurous, colorful, gifted, determined, precious, open, colorful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.