Regular medical, dental and vision care are all important for your total health. That’s why it’s good to have all three kinds of insurance.

Today, many people buy health coverage on their own. What “comes with” medical coverage now may be different than in the past. You may want to get dental and vision coverage as well as medical coverage. Review how each one works. They can be a little different than medical coverage.

What Does My Medical Cover for Dental and Vision?

Dental Details
Have you signed up for health coverage through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, but not through your work? You may remember that dental coverage options are right there on the application. Dental benefits for BCBSIL individual members may include savings on preventive checkups, cleanings and basic X-rays. You can also save on fillings, bridges, crowns and other dental work. Check coverage details to see about savings on dental services.

Members can look up dentists who contract with BCBSIL in Provider Finder^® . Log in to your Blue Access for Members^SM account and click on Find Care. You make the most of your medical benefits when you use providers who are in network. The same is true for dental coverage. Try to use in-network dentists. Also be sure to check your plan for details about what is and isn't covered. That's good to know whether you see a network dentist or one who is out of the network.

Vision at a Glance
Vision coverage looks a bit different, too. Adult BCBSIL members are covered for one vision exam per year. Coverage amount varies by plan. HMO members are only covered for a vision exam if they use an in-network provider. Members also have access to eyewear discounts. If you need more frequent exams or treatments for your eyes, you may want to consider added vision coverage. You can sign up through Blue Access for Members.

What’s the Deal with Discounts?

Don’t forget your BCBSIL membership may also offer dental, vision and hearing discounts through Blue365. The free health and wellness discount program gives you lots of chances to save big.

Originally published 12/27/2016; Revised 2022, 2023, 2024