TRICARE offers beneficiaries comprehensive coverage

  • Published
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The TRICARE Dental Program continues to furnish worldwide, comprehensive dental coverage to include preventive, diagnostic, restorative and maintenance services to all eligible Uniformed Services active-duty family members and to National Guard and Reserve members and their eligible family members. Benefits to the dental program include dental implants and related prosthetics, and extended restorative services to teeth affected by attrition, erosion, abrasion, and congenital or developmental defects. The TDP will continue to offer a comprehensive dental benefit package that includes dental X-rays, periodic examinations, cleanings, fluoride treatment, fillings, root canals, dental crowns and bridges, and orthodontics. The TDP is an affordable and portable
program that makes it easy to maintain good dental health. Eligible beneficiaries may enroll in single member plans or family plans. 

The National Defense Authorization Act of 2007 legislated a change to the TRICARE dental benefit to cover anesthesia services and institutional costs for dental treatment for beneficiaries with developmental, mental or physical disabilities, and children age 5 or under. For TRICARE to reimburse claims, beneficiaries must save their bills for medical care occurring after Oct. 17, 2006. The change in statute does not include the actual dental care services coverage through the TRICARE Dental Program and the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program. 

Once program officers finalize implementation requirements, TRICARE will announce when beneficiaries may submit their bills for reimbursement. Implementation requires changes to TRICARE Manuals and dental care Services contracts.

 For more information, to include enrollment, beneficiaries may access the TDP online at www.TRICAREdentalprogram.com, or by calling tollfree 1-800-866-8499, 24 hours a day. Members residing outside the continental U.S. should dial their country code followed by 888-418-0466 (toll-free). Beneficiaries may also access the TRICARE Web site at www.tricare.osd.mil and the TDP fact sheet.