Does Tricare Cover Dental? – Overview
Anyone currently serving or has served in the US armed forces is entitled to military dental insurance. Tricare dental plans offer an affordable way for service personnel and their families to receive dental care.
As these are government-sponsored programs offered by selected providers, you will not need to browse for better alternatives. Still, many beneficiaries have questions regarding dental coverage with Tricare.
This article details the type of Tricare dental coverage that military members, their spouses, and their children are entitled to.
Tricare Military Dental Benefits
Tricare, the federally operated health insurance program for members of the US Uniformed Services, provides extensive health and dental coverage to beneficiaries, including the member’s dependents. Tricare dental coverage differs from Tricare medical plans, so you should not assume that as you have Tricare medical cover, you will also receive Tricare dental benefits.
The Tricare health program is part of the DOD’s Defense Military Health System and is currently offered in three different types:
- Tricare Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP) – This insurance covers only active duty members.
- Tricare Dental Program (TDP)—This dental health plan is for the family members (spouse and children) of active-duty military members, selected reserve and IRR personnel, and their dependents.
- Tricare Retiree Dental Program (TRDP)—In 2019, The Tricare Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) was replaced by the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) for retired military personnel and their dependents.
Now that you know the different types of Tricare dental plans, let’s check out some of the benefits of Tricare dental coverage.
Benefits of Tricare Dental
Active and retired military personnel and their families can have dental coverage from another health insurance provider, such as employer-sponsored or private health insurance. However, it is always advisable to compare new offerings with current plans.
However, you may end up choosing Tricare dental coverage for its preferential features, such as:
- No annual deductible
- Monthly payments
- No waiting periods
- Affordable premium rates (60% discount for select enrollees)
- Allowance for dentures, implants, and braces
- Two cleanings and two checkups per year
The TRDP plan for retired military members offers several different benefits. However, unlike conventional dental coverage, you will not be refused coverage because of your age, medical history, or pre-existing medical condition.
The Tricare Dental Program (TDP) is designed for non-active and active duty members and their families. Besides this, active duty members of the US Uniformed Services receive additional dental coverage under ADDP.
The Tricare Dental Program (TDP) is administered by United Concordia, allowing enrollees to make fixed monthly payments. This transition from MetLife to United Concordia occurred in 2017.
TDP is a PPO plan wherein enrollees receive fixed discounts on treatments at TDP network dentists. Enrollees can also visit out-of-network dentists, but the out-of-pocket expenses for such visits are usually higher. TDP benefits also depend on the enrollee’s service area and pay grade.
All amounts are subject to an annual maximum benefit of US$ 1,500 per person. Besides this, the coverage also allows around US$ 1,200 annual maximum per person for dental accident coverage and around $1,750-lifetime limit for orthodontics.
The Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) now provides dental coverage for retired military personnel instead of the Tricare Retiree Dental Program (TRDP), discontinued in 2018. Delta Dental was the administrator of TRDP until its end.
Under FEDVIP, eligible retired military personnel and their dependents can choose from various dental plans for care in the US, with some plans offering international coverage. This includes a variety of dental treatments, including emergency and accidental cover, along with braces, dental implants, and dentures. In addition, they can enroll their spouses and children (under 21 years) into their TRDP policy.
For FEDVIP, premiums can be deducted from military retirement pay or federal annuity, or retirees can opt for direct billing as their payment method.
Why Should You Get Tricare Dental Coverage?
The decision to enroll in the Tricare dental plan will mostly depend on the extent and frequency of dental care you need for you and your family.
TDP insurance plans cover a significantly higher percentage of dental costs for most basic and complex procedures than commercial private insurance plans. Premiums for the Tricare dental plans are substantially affordable, especially if you qualify for the 60% discount.
Conclusion
Whether you want to save on dental insurance or look for effective dental coverage, you must enroll in the Tricare insurance program if you are an active or retired member of any of the US Uniformed Services. This is an excellent, affordable, and efficient way to ensure that you and your dependents have sufficient dental care coverage, whether stationed in the US or anywhere.
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See Also
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What is the Catastrophic Cap for Tricare
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