Military Dental Insurance

For members of the military and their families, dental health is an important aspect of overall health and wellbeing. Dental issues can be painful, costly to treat, and can even impact a person’s ability to carry out their duties. Military dental insurance is an important benefit that helps ensure that military personnel and their loved ones can access high-quality dental care when they need it. In this article, we’ll explore military dental insurance, including what it covers, who is eligible, and how to enroll. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about military dental insurance.

What is Military Dental Insurance?

The military dental insurance program is called the TRICARE Dental Program. This program offers comprehensive dental coverage to military personnel and their families. It is available to active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families. The TRICARE Dental Program is administered by the United Concordia Companies, Inc., a leading dental insurer. The program covers a wide range of dental services, including preventive care, restorative care, orthodontics, and more.

Having dental insurance through the TRICARE Dental Program can help ensure that military personnel and their families receive the dental care they need to maintain good oral health. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can help prevent serious dental issues from developing, and early treatment of dental problems can help prevent them from getting worse.

Who is Eligible?

The TRICARE Dental Program is available to active duty service members and their families, as well as to National Guard and Reserve members and their families. Retired military personnel and their families may also be eligible for the program. To be eligible, a person must be registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).

Active duty service members are automatically enrolled in the TRICARE Dental Program. Their family members must enroll separately. National Guard and Reserve members and their families may enroll in the program during certain periods of the year or after a qualifying life event, such as a change in family status. Retired military personnel and their families may enroll in the program after they retire from service.

How to Enroll

Enrolling in the TRICARE Dental Program is easy. Active duty service members are automatically enrolled, and their family members can enroll online or by phone. National Guard and Reserve members and their families can enroll during open enrollment periods or after a qualifying life event. Retired military personnel and their families can enroll online or by phone after they retire from service.

Once enrolled, members of the TRICARE Dental Program can choose from a wide network of dental providers. They can also access online tools and resources to help them manage their dental care, track their benefits, and find dental providers in their area.

What Does Military Dental Insurance Cover?

The TRICARE Dental Program covers a wide range of dental services, including preventive care, restorative care, orthodontics, and more. Some of the services covered by the program include:

It’s important for military personnel and their families to understand what is and isn’t covered by their dental insurance plan. Members of the TRICARE Dental Program should review their plan information carefully to understand their coverage and any out-of-pocket costs they may incur.

FAQ

How much does military dental insurance cost?

The cost of military dental insurance varies depending on a person’s status and the plan they choose. Active duty service members pay no premiums for dental coverage, while family members pay a small monthly premium. National Guard and Reserve members and their families pay a slightly higher premium, and retired military personnel and their families pay the highest premium.

Are there any exclusions or limitations to military dental insurance coverage?

Yes, there are some exclusions and limitations to coverage under the TRICARE Dental Program. Cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, are generally not covered by the program. Some procedures, such as orthodontics, may require pre-authorization. Members of the program should review their plan information carefully to understand any exclusions or limitations to coverage.

Can I choose my own dental provider?

Yes, members of the TRICARE Dental Program can choose from a wide network of dental providers. They can also go out-of-network, but may incur higher out-of-pocket costs for doing so.

What happens if I need emergency dental care?

If you need emergency dental care, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. If you are enrolled in the TRICARE Dental Program and receive emergency dental care from an out-of-network provider, you may be responsible for paying for some or all of the costs of the care.

What should I do if I have a complaint or concern about my dental care?

If you have a complaint or concern about your dental care, you should first try to resolve the issue with your dental provider. If you are unable to resolve the issue with your provider, you can contact United Concordia, the administrator of the TRICARE Dental Program, to file a complaint.

Conclusion

Military dental insurance is an important benefit that helps ensure that military personnel and their families can access high-quality dental care when they need it. The TRICARE Dental Program offers comprehensive dental coverage to military personnel and their families, and is administered by the United Concordia Companies, Inc. Understanding military dental insurance, including what it covers, who is eligible, and how to enroll, can help military personnel and their families make informed decisions about their dental care.