An Overview of TRICARE Retiree Dental Coverage

TRICARE not only provides health care coverage for eligible beneficiaries; it also offers dental coverage as well for those who are looking for dental insurance. Here's an overview of how it works.

TRICARE Retiree Dental Programme

There are many dental insurance plans out there to choose from that cover preventative, cosmetic as well as emergency dental treatment. One of the dental insurance plans available for military retirees and their eligible family members is the TRICARE Retiree Dental Programme (TRDP), a dental insurance administered by Delta Dental Plan of California (also known as Delta Dental).

Who Can Apply?

TRDP is open to retired service members and their eligible family members, as well as to retired National Guard and Reserve members and their eligible family members, some surviving family members of deceased active duty personnel, Medal of Honour recipients and their close family members.

Coverage Areas

TRDP offers dental coverage to patients in all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands as well as Canada. The cost of dental premiums vary depending on where you live.

Help in Choosing a Dentist

Although you are always free to visit a dentist of your choice, you are likely to receive a more affordable dental service if you choose to be seen by a dentist who participates in the TRDP network. The TRICARE Retiree Dental Programme Web site recommends looking for a licensed dentist who participates in the Delta Dental Preferred Option USA (PPO) or Delta Dental Select USA networks. Dentists who are members of the Delta Dental Preferred Option USA (PPO) or Delta Dental Select USA networks have agreed to offer discounted services to military retirees and family members registered in TRDP. Remember that if you see an out-of-network dentist, you will face higher dental bills and pay more out-of-pocket expenses. Some out-of-network dentists insist on upfront payment for their services, which will mean having to pay for services rendered and then submitting a claim to Delta Dental for reimbursement.

Choosing TRDP can lessen the worry of shopping around for dental insurance once you retire. But if you do opt for TRDP, look for a licensed dentist who participates in the Delta Dental Preferred Option USA (PPO) or Delta Dental Select USA network.

Source:

http://www.trdp.org/