BCBST GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE FOR TDA MEMBER EMPLOYERS AND THEIR EMPLOYEES
We’re excited to offer BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBST) group health plans, specifically designed for TDA members.
Open enrollment is available September 30, 2024 through December 13, 2024.
- Guaranteed issue
- No health questions
- No pre-existing condition exclusions
- Rates could provide substantial savings
- TDA member exclusive BCBST plans
- Participation in the plan benefits the Tennessee Dental Association
- 4 health plan options
- Stand-alone vision plan (see question #14 below)
- Includes a $15,000 life insurance policy for each employee subscribed to the health plan (see question #15 below)
- Sole proprietors are eligible if they have at least one W-2 employee working 30+ hours per week
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How do I view the 2025 rates and plan options?
You can view the rates and plan options here.
2. How do I enroll?
Please enroll by using the online enrollment tool.
3. How do I view the 2025 TDA BCBST Member Benefit Guide?
Click here for the guide.
4. What is the coverage effective date and what is the plan year?
Coverage becomes effective January 1, 2025. The plan year is January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025.
5. What are my plan and network options?
- All plans utilize BCBST’s Network “S” and the National BlueCard PPO Network.
- You can view the plan options and rates here.
- All plans are ACA-compliant and include preventative care services covered at 100% with in-network providers. See the 2025 TDA BCBST Member Benefit Guide for more details.
6. How do I determine if I can remain with my current physicians if I use this plan?
Two ways, by checking the BCBST network provider finder (Network S) or by contacting your physician’s office to confirm they are a provider in BCBST Network S.
7. If a solo dentist has one W-2 employee, can the dentist and employee qualify for insurance under the plan?
Yes, as long as the W-2 employee is working 30+ hours per week.
8. Can a solo dentist be covered under the plan?
No. However, if the dentist has a W-2 employee working 30+ hours per week, then they are eligible for coverage as a two-person group.
9. Can office staff be covered under the plan?
Yes, as long as the dentists are members of the Tennessee Dental Association.
10. Does the plan require eligible employees to enroll in coverage in order for their dependents and spouses to obtain coverage?
Yes.
11. Our practice has staff and dentists working remotely in and outside of Tennessee, do they qualify for the health plan?
Yes, they will have access to the BlueCross BlueShield National BlueCard PPO Network if they live, work or vacation across the country.
12. Are 1099 independent contractors allowed to enroll in the health plan?
No.
13. What happens to my coverage if I leave my practice or move to a status not otherwise covered under the plan?
You may have the option to elect COBRA coverage.
14. Do you have vision insurance available?
Yes, we have a stand-alone vision plan through BCBST. The plan is available for dentists, their staff, and dependents — even if not covered by the health plan. Details of the plan can be viewed on pages 10-14 of the 2025 TDA BCBST Member Benefit Guide. The eligibility requirements are the same as for the health plan — the practice must be a two-person group to be eligible for coverage.
15. Is life insurance included with the health plan?
Yes, the 2025 health plan includes a $15,000 life insurance policy for each employee subscribed to the health plan. The coverage is automatic and costs $3.00 per subscriber, per month. Furthermore, there is a voluntary guaranteed issue option for the covered employee subscriber to purchase additional coverage for themselves and their dependents.
16. Who is eligible to become a Participating Employer?
An employer who meets all of the following qualifications:
- Qualifies as an entity which provides dental services or healing arts
- Constitutes an employer as defined under ERISA § 3(5)
- Employs in the State of Tennessee at least one common law employee
- Executes the TD Consortium Benefits Trust Participation Agreement
- Elects to participate in the plan
- Is a Tennessee duly organized and validly existing professional corporation, limited liability company, professional limited liability company, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, sole proprietorship, or other entity that complies with the laws of the State of Tennessee
- Is a member of the Tennessee Dental Association: Maintains individual memberships in the TDA for all of its dentists. Staff are not required to be members — only dentists. For membership verification, please contact TDA Membership Services Coordinator, Grace Czosek, at grace@tndental.org or 615.628.0208.
17. How can we pay less out-of-pocket for healthcare?
Deductible Guard is a hospital indemnity plan that you can add to your existing health insurance. This supplemental insurance pays a covered member up to $4,000 for inpatient charges. The plan is guaranteed issue, portable, and payroll deducted. You can view the rates and additional information here. For the application, click here.
18. Who do I contact if have questions?
If you have any questions, please contact Mike Harmon directly at MichaelH@assoc-admin.com or 423.648.0247. Or, utilize the webform below and we’ll get back to you shortly.
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