Blue Cross Launches New Dental Discount Program

Blue Cross of California through its affiliate BC Life & Health announced the launch of SmileNet, a dental discount plan for individuals, families and businesses. The plan differs from an insurance policy in that it gives members discounts between 15 and 50 percent on dental services without requiring copays, deductibles, claims or paperwork. The plan is directed at the 46 percent of the population without dental insurance, according to a Blue Cross news release. Dues for the discount are $80 per year for an individual and $120 per year for a family. Employers of small businesses with fewer than 50 employees can also buy into SmileNet, for $7 per month for an individual and $10 per month for a family membership. Blue Cross of California and its state affiliates have more than 7.6 million medical members.