The insurance company now covers at-home orthodontic aligners, overseen remotely by licensed dentists, with an average cost up to 60% less than traditional orthodontics.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) announced the launch of Ortho@Home, a teledentistry and at-home orthodontics program, overseen remotely by licensed dentists.
Ortho@Home will be available to Anthem Dental’s Prime and Complete networks. According to a press release from the company, the service is intended to integrate “seamlessly with orthodontic provider options” and will include discounts of up to $200 off retail pricing.
Consumers with orthodontic benefits will have access to at-home clear aligner therapy, remote oversight of care, teeth whitening, and retainers at completion of treatment with an average cost reportedly up to 60% less than traditional orthodontics. According to a press release, the company expects cases to be treated three times faster.
Ortho@Home is intended to help improve member access to orthodontic care—especially in rural areas where over half of the counties in the United States do not have access to orthodontic offices.
“Anthem is committed to providing our consumers with more convenient and affordable care options,” said Scott Towers, President, Dental and Vision Business at Anthem. “By improving consumer access to quality dental care while meeting the growing demand for remote services, Ortho@Home makes access more convenient, decreases healthcare costs, and also reduces the need for face-to-face interactions, which is especially important during the current pandemic.”
In most cases, members will pay less than $1,000 out of pocket after the orthodontic benefit is applied. Members may also use spending accounts including FSA, HSA, and HRAs.