Dental Insurance for Retired Military

As a retired member of the military, it’s important to ensure that you have access to quality dental care. While active-duty military members receive dental benefits through TRICARE, retired military members have a different set of options. In this article, we’ll explore the different dental insurance options available to retired military members and what you should consider when choosing a plan.

TRICARE Retiree Dental Program

The TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) is a voluntary dental insurance plan available to retired military members and their eligible family members. TRDP is administered by Delta Dental and provides comprehensive dental coverage, including preventive care, basic restorative services, and major dental services.

The cost of TRDP varies depending on your location and the number of eligible family members you have. However, premiums are generally lower than those of comparable civilian dental plans. In addition, there are no deductibles, and there are no annual or lifetime maximums on benefits.

One thing to keep in mind when considering TRDP is that it is a separate plan from TRICARE medical coverage. This means that you will have to pay separate premiums for both plans, and TRDP does not cover medical services.

FAQ

Question
Answer
Who is eligible for TRDP?
Retired military members and their eligible family members are eligible for TRDP. Eligible family members include spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 (or under the age of 23 if enrolled in college full-time).
What types of services are covered by TRDP?
TRDP covers a wide range of dental services, including preventive care (such as cleanings and X-rays), basic restorative services (such as fillings), and major dental services (such as crowns and bridges).
How much does TRDP cost?
The cost of TRDP varies depending on your location and the number of eligible family members you have. However, premiums are generally lower than those of comparable civilian dental plans.
Is TRDP a separate plan from TRICARE medical coverage?
Yes, TRDP is a separate plan from TRICARE medical coverage. This means that you will have to pay separate premiums for both plans, and TRDP does not cover medical services.

Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program

The Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) is a dental insurance plan available to retired military members and their eligible family members. FEDVIP is administered by various insurance carriers and provides comprehensive dental coverage, including preventive care, basic restorative services, and major dental services.

The cost of FEDVIP varies depending on the insurance carrier and plan you choose. However, premiums are generally higher than those of TRDP. In addition, there are deductibles and annual maximums on benefits.

One thing to keep in mind when considering FEDVIP is that it is a separate plan from TRICARE medical coverage. This means that you will have to pay separate premiums for both plans, and FEDVIP does not cover medical services.

FAQ

Question
Answer
Who is eligible for FEDVIP?
Retired military members and their eligible family members are eligible for FEDVIP. Eligible family members include spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 (or under the age of 23 if enrolled in college full-time).
What types of services are covered by FEDVIP?
FEDVIP covers a wide range of dental services, including preventive care (such as cleanings and X-rays), basic restorative services (such as fillings), and major dental services (such as crowns and bridges).
How much does FEDVIP cost?
The cost of FEDVIP varies depending on the insurance carrier and plan you choose. However, premiums are generally higher than those of TRDP. In addition, there are deductibles and annual maximums on benefits.
Is FEDVIP a separate plan from TRICARE medical coverage?
Yes, FEDVIP is a separate plan from TRICARE medical coverage. This means that you will have to pay separate premiums for both plans, and FEDVIP does not cover medical services.

Choosing a Plan

When choosing a dental insurance plan as a retired military member, there are a few things to consider. These include:

  • Coverage: Make sure the plan you choose covers the dental services you need.
  • Cost: Consider the premiums, deductibles, and annual maximums of each plan.
  • Provider network: Make sure the plan you choose has a provider network that is convenient for you.
  • Coordination with TRICARE medical coverage: If you have TRICARE medical coverage, make sure the dental plan you choose coordinates with it.

By considering these factors and weighing the pros and cons of each plan, you can choose a dental insurance plan that meets your needs and fits your budget.

FAQ

Question
Answer
Can I enroll in both TRDP and FEDVIP?
No, you can only enroll in one dental insurance plan at a time.
Can I change my dental insurance plan?
Yes, you can change your dental insurance plan during the annual open enrollment period, which is usually in November and December of each year.
Do I need dental insurance if I have TRICARE medical coverage?
While TRICARE medical coverage includes some dental services, it may not cover all of the services you need. Dental insurance can help cover the costs of preventive care, basic restorative services, and major dental services.

Conclusion

As a retired military member, you have several options for dental insurance. Whether you choose TRDP or FEDVIP, it’s important to consider your needs and budget when selecting a plan. By doing so, you can ensure that you have access to quality dental care without breaking the bank.