Oral Health for Overall Health
Keeping your mouth healthy has a big impact on your overall health, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with certain medical conditions. Our Oral Health for Overall HealthSM program integrates medical and dental care to help improve your overall health.
Additional dental benefits at no extra cost
Florida Blue members who are enrolled in Oral Health for Overall Health receive additional dental benefits that can improve overall health, enhance quality of life, and lower medical and dental care costs.
There are no additional out-of-pocket expenses to participate in Oral Health for Overall Health. These benefits are valued at over $1,000 and are covered 100% with no copayment or coinsurance when you see a participating provider. They don’t apply toward your calendar year maximum and there are no waiting periods. If you have a Florida Blue dental plan and have been diagnosed with one of the eligible medical conditions described below, find out how Oral Health for Overall Health can make a difference in your health.
Medical conditions
COPD
People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a higher risk of gum disease, dry mouth, and tooth decay (including tooth loss).
Coronary artery disease
Poor oral hygiene can worsen the symptoms and underlying severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Diabetes
High blood sugar can increase the risk of periodontal (gum) disease, which can further increase blood sugar.
End-stage renal disease
People with end-stage renal disease are more likely to develop tooth decay, gum disease, and dry mouth.
Metabolic syndrome
Preventive dental care and proper oral hygiene habits can help prevent gum disease and additional complications associated with metabolic syndrome.
Oral, head and neck cancers
Treatment for oral cancer can reduce saliva, leading to dry mouth and making tooth decay more likely.
Pregnancy
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase your risk of oral health issues, which may result in lower birthweight babies.
Sjögren’s syndrome
This immune system disorder reduces saliva, causing dry mouth and making tooth decay more likely.
Stroke
A stroke can occur when plaque breaks off from the wall of a blood vessel and travels to the brain, cutting off its blood supply.
Take advantage of these valuable dental benefits
If you have Florida Blue medical and dental plans and an eligible medical condition (other than pregnancy), you’re automatically enrolled in the program. If you’re pregnant or don’t have a Florida Blue medical plan, you can easily self-enroll online. Once enrolled, you’ll receive additional, condition-specific benefits, including preventive and periodontal services, outreach and education, and specialized medical care programs.
The sooner you take advantage of these benefits, the sooner you can improve your health. Simply make an appointment with your dentist. If you don’t have a dentist, you can easily find one in our provider directory. If you have questions about eligibility, contact Customer Service at 888-223-4892.
