Dental Plan FAQs

The University routinely conducts a review of its benefit plans and seeks competitive bids from several top insurance providers. Reviewing and assessing the University’s current dental plans and exploring new coverage opportunities ensures faculty and staff have access to plans that deliver competitive coverage, excellent customer service and affordable rates.

Excellus BCBS was selected because of its many strengths and capabilities, including:

• Lower employee contributions, with markedly reduced preventive rates
• Expanded comprehensive coverage, including orthodontia for enrolled adults and dependents up to age 26, up to a $1,500 lifetime maximum per person
• Dedicated customer care team that will deliver superior member support for both your health and dental care needs
• Largest network in the Central New York area and the second largest nationwide

Earlier this year, as part of the annual review of its benefits program, the University engaged a nationally recognized employee benefits consulting firm to assist with evaluating dental insurance carriers. Following a thorough review of several proposals and after receiving feedback throughout the spring and summer from the Employee Benefits Assessment Council, Excellus BCBS was chosen to provide dental insurance effective Jan. 1, 2025. The council’s feedback was informed by the responses from the dental benefit survey they sent to all benefits-eligible faculty and staff in the spring.

To locate providers in the local or national network, visit excellusbcbs.com/find-a-doctor/dentist and select either Dental Blue Options or National Dental GRID+ Dente Max. For assistance, contact Excellus BCBS at 800.662.1220 (TTY: 800.662.1220) Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST or Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.

Your enrollment in either the preventive or comprehensive dental plans include access to both in-network and out-of-network providers. While coverage is available for services obtained out-of-network, it is important to remember that non-participating dentists are not obligated to accept Excellus’ payment as payment in full.

When you receive care from an out-of-network provider, you will generally be responsible for higher out-of-pocket costs, including the difference between Excellus BCBS’s payment and the amount billed by your provider. Additionally, you may be required to pay up front and be reimbursed after the claim is submitted to Excellus BCBS.

To maximize your plan benefits, you may want to consider seeking care from an in-network provider. To locate providers in the local or national network, visit excellusbcbs.com/find-a-doctor/dentist and select Dental Blue Options or National Dental GRID+ Dente Max.

If you choose to enroll in dental for another two-year commitment, you will receive a welcome packet from Excellus BCBS by mid-December. Your welcome packet will be sent to your permanent address listed in MySlice, and it will contain your personalized member ID card along with details on the new dental program. Additionally, you will have access to print your member ID card directly from the Excellus BCBS website starting in January.

Yes, you will be able to review your claims and print your member ID card directly from the Excellus BCBS website starting in January.

You can view your claims history, print a temporary ID card and review information to help you understand dental care needs. A mobile app will also be available to make this information available anywhere, anytime.

As of Jan. 1, 2025, Delta Dental will no longer be the dental insurance carrier for Syracuse University.

If you choose to enroll in dental for another two-year commitment, you will receive a welcome packet with your personalized ID cards at your home address with details on the new dental program through Excellus BCBS by mid-December.

We recommend that you contact both Excellus BCBS and Delta Dental prior to Jan. 1 to confirm coverage details.

It is strongly recommended that you contact Excellus BCBS before your service takes place to ensure that all proper approvals are in place.

Syracuse University offers two dental plan options:

The preventive plan provides coverage for two annual exams and cleanings per calendar year, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) services.

The comprehensive plan provides coverage for services listed in the Preventive Plan, as well as for basic and major restorative services, oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics and orthodontics.

Excellus BCBS gives you access to two networks of participating providers: the in-network and out-of-network. Using an in-network provides the best value.

• If you have medical or dental benefit questions and would like personalized assistance regarding your coverage, you may contact the Excellus BCBS dedicated customer care team at 800.493.0318 (TTY: 800.662.1220) Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST or Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.
• Meet in person on campus with representatives from Excellus BCBS and Human Resources to discuss any personal medical or dental benefit related questions.
• For other questions related to benefits or Open Enrollment, contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042 or hrservice@syr.edu.

You can learn more during the Open Enrollment period, Oct. 28–Nov. 8, by taking advantage of the following opportunities:

• Meet in person on campus with representatives from Excellus BCBS and Human Resources to discuss any personal medical, dental or other benefit related questions. Members from the Employee Benefits Assessment Council will also be available to receive your input on the University’s benefits program for faculty and staff.
• HR Shared Services is available 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 315.443.4042 to answer your personal questions. Appointments are available upon request. Walk ins are welcome.
• Review the on-demand information session to learn about your 2025 benefits.
• Call the University’s dedicated Excellus BCBS customer service center at 800.493.0318 (TTY: 800.662.1220) if you need additional assistance regarding your personal medical or dental plan questions. Excellus BCBS’s hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. For prescription drug questions, contact Optum Rx member services at 866.854.2945 (TTY: 711). They are available to assist you 24/7.

Yes. As of Jan. 1, 2025, Delta Dental will no longer be the dental carrier for Syracuse University. You will receive a welcome packet with your personalized member ID cards at your home address with details on the new Excellus BCBS dental program in mid-December.