Last Updated on June 13, 2023
There are three types of Tricare dental insurance plans:
- Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP)
- Tricare Dental Program
- FEDVIP Dental
Active Duty Dental Program
This program is for active duty servicemembers and activated National Guard and Reserves.
This program mainly provides care in military-run dental treatment facilities (DTF). If a referral is needed to a civilian provider or you live more than 50 miles from your closest DTF, this is managed by United Concordia.
An Appointment Control Number (ACN) must be obtained from United Concordia before seeking civilian care.
It is important to be familiar with covered and non-covered services as you may be financially responsible for non-covered services or for covered services that exceed a certain amount.
Tricare Dental Program
This dental insurance is voluntary for family members of active-duty servicemembers. Enrollment is required if you wish to participate and is for a minimum of 12 months.
If you enroll before the 20th of the month, the plan will be active on the 1st of the following month. If you enroll after the 20th, it will be active on the 1st of the second month.
You should always seek out network dentists. These dentists will file your claims for you and you will avoid additional out-of-network costs.
Monthly premiums for the family of an active duty soldier are $32.13/month. Premiums must be paid through payroll allotment, credit card, or EFT.
Co-shares are anywhere from 0% to 50%, depending on the procedure and the rank of the soldier.
FEDVIP Dental
This plan is available to retirees and their families. When looking at my options, family plans are available for monthly premiums of $60 – $145 per month.
The higher premium plans tend to have a higher max coverage amount or no maximum. Co-pays are anywhere from 0% to $65% depending on the procedure or service.
I have found the rates to be very expensive unless you have a family who needs more than the average cleaning twice a year or you have multiple kids. This is particularly true if the maximum coverage amount is on the lower side. Definitely do your homework before proceeding.