VA Dental Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

As a veteran, you can benefit from a range of healthcare services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Dental health is one such aspect of healthcare that is covered under the VA healthcare system. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding VA dental insurance, what it covers, and how you can enroll.

What is VA Dental Insurance?

VA dental insurance covers routine dental care for eligible veterans. The VA provides dental insurance to veterans that are enrolled in VA health care and in one of the following categories:

Category
Description
Class I
Veterans who are 100% disabled as a result of a service-connected injury or illness
Class II
Veterans who are receiving VA compensation for a service-connected disability
Class III
Veterans who are former prisoners of war (POWs)
Class IV
Veterans who have a service-connected dental condition
Class V
Veterans who have a non-service-connected dental condition and are enrolled in VA health care

If you’re not enrolled in VA health care, you cannot get VA dental insurance. Additionally, some eligible veterans may not be able to get the dental insurance because of their geographical location.

What Does VA Dental Insurance Cover?

VA dental insurance covers a wide range of routine dental services. This includes:

Service
Description
Diagnostic services
X-rays and other diagnostic procedures that may be required to assess your dental health condition
Preventive services
Regular cleanings, fluoride treatments, and other preventive measures to maintain your dental health
Restorative services
Filling cavities, root canal treatment, and other procedures to restore teeth that have been damaged
Prosthetic services
Dentures, crowns, and bridges to replace missing teeth or improve the appearance of your teeth
Oral surgery
Extractions and other oral surgeries that may be necessary for your dental health

However, VA dental insurance doesn’t cover orthodontic treatment, cosmetic dental procedures, or dental implants.

How to Enroll in VA Dental Insurance?

If you’re eligible for VA dental insurance, you can enroll in one of two ways:

Option 1: VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP)

VADIP is a dental insurance program offered by the VA in partnership with Delta Dental and MetLife. You can enroll in VADIP during the annual open enrollment period, which usually runs from November through December. You’ll have to pay a monthly premium to enroll in VADIP.

Option 2: CHAMPVA

If you’re a dependent of a veteran, you may be eligible for the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). CHAMPVA provides dental insurance coverage to eligible dependents of veterans. However, CHAMPVA doesn’t cover routine dental care for veterans themselves.

FAQs

1. Is VA dental insurance free?

No. You’ll have to pay a monthly premium to enroll in VA dental insurance under the VADIP program.

2. Does VA dental insurance cover orthodontic treatment?

No. VA dental insurance doesn’t cover orthodontic treatment.

3. Who is eligible for VA dental insurance?

Veterans enrolled in VA health care and in one of the 5 classes mentioned earlier are eligible for VA dental insurance.

4. Can dependents of veterans get VA dental insurance?

Dependents of veterans may be eligible for dental insurance under CHAMPVA, but veterans themselves have to meet the eligibility criteria to get VA dental insurance.

5. How do I enroll in VADIP?

You can enroll in VADIP during the annual open enrollment period, which usually runs from November through December. You can visit the VA website or contact the VA dental insurance program for more information on how to enroll.

Conclusion

VA dental insurance is a valuable benefit for eligible veterans that can provide them with routine dental care at an affordable cost. By understanding what the insurance covers and how to enroll, veterans can make the most of this benefit and maintain their dental health.