News from the Blues

Oct. 29, 2025

2026 Blue Dental Plus^SM Rate Updates
Blue Dental Plus^SM helps Medicare beneficiaries save on preventive services like dental checkups and x-rays, in addition to periodontal, endodontic, adjunctive services and more. Plus, with these plans, members can get a free hearing exam and discounts on hearing aids. If the member also has a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan, they get a 5% discount on their Blue Dental Plus monthly premium.

Blue Dental Plus has two plan options – Standard and Premier. Compare Blue Dental Plus Standard and Premier Plans.

These plans can be purchased on their own. Or they can be purchased with Medicare medical insurance (such as a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan). Enrollees must qualify for Medicare to join these plans.

2026 Blue Dental Plus Rates

How It Works: Blue Dental Plus Annual Rate Changes
Blue Dental Plus rates update annually every Jan. 1 – but members will only see their rate change on their enrollment effective date anniversary. This is due to the 12-month rate guarantee.

• New enrollments: Individuals enrolling in 2026 will begin paying 2026 rates on day one of their enrollment effective date.

• Current members: Existing members will see the new 2026 rate on their enrollment effective date anniversary. Current members’ 2026 rate is also locked in for 12 months.

• For example, a member who enrolled in Blue Dental Plus this year with coverage starting on Sept. 1, 2025, will see the 2026 rate on their Sept. 2026 bill. They will pay the 2026 rate from Sept. 2026 – Aug. 2027.

• Reminder: ZIP code is the only rating factor used when determining rates. No medical factors (age, gender, tobacco use, etc.) apply when determining a member’s rate. Likewise, new enrollees do not need to pass medical underwriting to get a Blue Dental Plus plan.

Renewal Rate Letters Mail by Oct. 31, 2025
Blue Dental Plus rate renewal letters will be mailed by Oct. 31, 2025. This only applies to current members. Review a sample letter.  

The rate shown in the renewal letter does not include the 5% discount available to Medicare Supplement members. However, it will be applied to the member’s monthly statement.

Commission Information
Producers will continue to receive 15% commission for both new and renewal business. Renewal compensation is paid annually based on the member’s enrollment effective date anniversary.

Additional Guidance for Coverage Plus Crosswalked Members
BlueCare Dental Classic Standard^SM and BlueCare Dental Classic Premier^SM plans provided through the Coverage Plus Central Portal are not renewed for 2026. BlueCare Dental Classic Standard and Premier members with a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) will be crosswalked to either Blue Dental Plus Standard or Blue Dental Plus Premier on Jan. 1, 2026.

Members that are transitioning (i.e. being “crosswalked”) from a BlueCare Dental Classic Standard and Premier plans through Coverage Plus will be billed the 2026 Blue Dental Plus Standard or Premier rate for January 2026 statement.

• These members will receive a Blue Dental Plus welcome guide and member ID card once transitioned.
• The provider network remains the same.
• The members’ plan benefits will not change. Coverage Plus and Blue Dental Plus benefits are identical. 
• Migrated Coverage Plus members will not receive a Blue Dental Plus rate renewal letter, as these are only sent to current Blue Dental Plus members.

If you need more help, contact your regional sales representative. They are your go-to resource for questions on Blue Dental Plus.

Jose Andrade
Senior Regional Sales Manager
Central East Illinois & Southern Cook County
Jose_Andrade@bcbsil.com
 
Steve Sak
Senior Regional Sales Manager
Northern Cook, Lake & DuPage Counties
Stephen_P_Sak@bcbsil.com
 
Albert Banushi
Senior Regional Sales Manager
Central West Illinois
Albert_Banushi@bcbsil.com