VA Offers New Dental Insurance Program

Eligible veterans and their family members will be able to purchase dental insurance at a reduced cost starting on Friday.

The Veterans Affairs Department, through a partnership with Delta Dental and MetLife, is offering those enrolled in the Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA) the option to buy dental insurance coverage that begins on Jan. 1, 2014. The three-year pilot program is for vets with no dental insurance or for those who want additional coverage. There are no eligibility limits based on service-connected disability rating or enrollment priority assignment. Spouses and dependent children of CHAMPVA vets also are eligible.

Enrollees are responsible for premium costs, which range from $8.65 to $52.90 per month for individual plans, in addition to other applicable co-pays or fees. The dental services vary by plan, including diagnostic, preventive, surgical, emergency and endodontic/restorative treatment, according to a department press release.

VA will continue to provide free dental care to vets with dental problems resulting from their service. CHAMPVA enrollees generally are vets who are permanently and totally disabled because of their military service.

Insurance applications are available online starting Nov. 15 at Delta Dental and MetLife. Click here for a summary of the dental benefits VA currently offers and their eligibility criteria.

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