The TRICARE Fact Sheet Can Help You Choose the Best Dental Plan

Your dental coverage may vary depending on who you are. So it’s crucial to understand how the various plans differ. Starting with the TRICARE Dental Options Fact Sheet, which allows you to discover what benefits each dental program provides and whether you are eligible.

Robert Agnello, deputy chief of Digital Communications at the Defense Health Agency, explained that the TRICARE Dental Options Fact Sheet is a resource to help you and your family learn about the dental insurance offered. You can use it to determine which option is best for your dental health.

Here are some of the key points from the info sheet.

1. Active Duty Dental Programs

Active duty service members (ADSMs) can receive civilian dental care under the Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP). The program is administered by United Concordia Companies, Inc. in the continental United States (CONUS) and outside the continental United States (OCONUS). If you are OCONUS, you must be remotely located and registered in TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas. ADSMs in CONUS areas are qualified for care through the ADDP if they meet one of the following criteria:

• If referred by a dental clinic to the military.

• If remotely situated. Consequently, you are at least 50 miles from the military dentistry clinic where you live and work.

Who Can Participate in the ADDP?

The ADDP is available to Active duty service members for:

• Army.
• The Marine Corps
• Navy.
• The Air Force
• The Space Force
• The Coast Guard
• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Commissioned Corps.
• The Public Health Service’s Commissioned Corps.

The ADDP coverage began on July 3, 2022. So, regardless of where you are, you will qualify for remote ADDP benefits.

How Do I Make an Appointment?

• If you are assigned to a military dental clinic in the CONUS, they will decide if you need treatment under the ADDP. Moreover, they’ll;

– Start referring people.

– Inform you of the appointment scheduling process.

• If you’re remotely located:

• CONUS. If you want standard care, you can self-refer. Before receiving civil medical care, you must obtain a United Concordia appointment control number (ACN).
• OCONUS. After acquiring an ACN, you can coordinate your routine dental care under the ADDP, but you must first get in touch with United Concordia. Your eligibility will be confirmed, you’ll receive an ACN, and they will coordinate all aspects of your care, including making your appointment schedule.

2. TRICARE Dental Program

United Concordia runs the voluntary premium-based TRICARE Dental Program (TDP). TDP is accessible both domestically and abroad, but it’s not available to ADSMs.

Who is qualified? You can sign up for TDP if you are:

• An active duty service member or family member.

• A member of the Guard or Reserves’ family.

• A National Guard or Reserves member who is not on active duty.

The TRICARE Dental Options Fact Sheet explains that TDP offers complete coverage for most dental services. But to receive coverage, you must sign up for TDP. Consult the fact sheet for information on enrollment alternatives, pricing, and other topics.

Registration and Disenrollment

The TDP enrollment process can be completed online, over the phone, or by mail.

• You can enroll every member of the family simultaneously.

• Cover your initial monthly premium.

• Set up recurring premium payments as automatic installments.

Minimum Period of Enrollment

You must sign up for at least twelve months.

• Your sponsor’s service obligation must still have 12 months to run.

• Unless you have good cause to stop receiving benefits, you must finish the first 12-month enrollment.

• You may continue on a month-to-month basis beyond the initial 12-month period.

3. Federal Employees’ Dental and Vision Insurance Program

 Another alternative scheme is the Federal Employees’ Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). The U.S. OPM oversees its administration.

FEDVIP is accessible for:

• Retirees and their qualifying relatives

• Retirees from the National Guard and Reserve

• Some surviving spouses

• Recipients of the Medal of Honor and their qualified relatives

Notably, TRICARE Young Adult enrollees’ adult children are not entitled to dental benefits.

There are various plan alternatives available through FEDVIP from different dental carriers. Look through the fact sheet for more information on who qualifies for dental insurance under FEDVIP and the enrollment process. Keep in mind that TRICARE’s medical coverage is distinct from its dental coverage.

Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 3604642979

Bio:
After entering the financial services industry in 1994, it was a desire to guide people towards their financial independence that drove Aaron to start Steele Capital Management in 2013. Armed with an extensive background in financial planning and commercial banking coupled with a sincere passion for helping people, Aaron has the expertise and affinity for serving the unique needs of those in transition. Clients benefit from his objective financial solutions and education aligned solely with
helping them pursue the most comfortable financial life possible.

Born in Olympia, Washington, Aaron spent much of his childhood in Denver, Colorado. An area outside of Phoenix, Arizona, known as the East Valley, occupies a special place in Aaron’s heart. It is where he graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, started a family, and advanced his professional career.

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Disclosure:
Investment advisory services are offered through BWM Advisory, LLC (BWM). BWM is registered as an Investment Advisor located in Scottsdale, Arizona, and only conducts business in states where it is properly licensed, notice has been filed, or is excluded from notice filing requirements. This information is not a complete analysis of the topic(s) discussed, is general in nature, and is not personalized investment advice. Nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice. There are risks involved with investing which may include (but are not limited to) market fluctuations and possible loss of principal value. Carefully consider the risks and possible consequences involved prior to making any investment decision. You should consult a professional tax or investment advisor regarding tax and investment implications before taking any investment actions or implementing any investment strategies.