One of the most common phone calls I receive is asking whether or not our office accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of New Jersey’s Young Grins or Family Grins plan. Until yesterday, I wasn’t even sure what the difference between the plans was. After being transferred to 3 different customer service representatives, I finally got my questions answered.

 

Horizon Young Grins

The BCBS Young Grins plan is Horizon’s a pediatric only dental plan, meaning it does not cover the parents in the family, just the children who are under 19 years old.

There is no annual maximum on the plan. There is a small deductible for both preventive and restorative treatment. The bad news is it’s an in-network only plan. That means you cannot use your benefits at any dental office, you are limited to contracted dental offices only. We are not contracted, so if you have Young Grins, your children will have to go to another dentist. The closest general dentist that participates is Dr. Rudolph Leidl in Long Valley. There are many more options in Flanders as well. For a complete list, go to Horizon’s website. I’m only providing these links to help, I can’t recommend Dr. Leidl or any other general dentist since I don’t know anything about them.

Horizon Family Grins

Horizon Family Grins is similar to the Young Grins plan described above. The difference is that it provides coverage for both children and adults.

There is no annual maximum on the plan. There is a small deductible for both preventive and restorative treatment for children, but not for adults. Like Young Grins, Family Grins is an in-network only plan. You cannot use your benefits at any dental office, you are limited to contracted dental offices only. We are not contracted, so if you have Family Grins, you and your children will have to go to another dentist.

Horizon Family Grins Plus

Horizon Family Grins Plus is similar to Family Grins, but the major difference is that it provides both in and out-of-network benefits for adults. While the children have to see an in-network dentist, the parents are free to use your benefits wherever you want, like our office!

There is no annual maximum on the plan for children under 19 years old. There is a $1000 yearly maximum on the plan for adults. That means that you have $1000 to use each year (that includes your “free” cleanings). If you don’t use your yearly maximum, you lose it. There is a small deductible for both preventive and restorative treatment for both children and for adults.

Horizon Healthy Smiles and Horizon Healthy Smiles Plus

These plans are both in-network only plans.

Both plans provide a $1,000 benefit to help pay for those services outside of preventive and diagnostic services. In addition, there are varying levels of coinsurance available, along with coverage for orthodontia.

I hope I’ve answered any questions you have about Horizon’s NJ dental plans. If you need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly at (908) 955-3500.