Are you a Veteran wondering about your dental care options? While the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides some Veterans with free dental services, many may find themselves needing additional coverage. This is where understanding the VA Dental Care Program, also known as VADIP, becomes important. If you’re seeking affordable dental care, or need coverage beyond what the VA may offer, the Veterans Affairs Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) could be a valuable solution.
Is the VA Dental Care Program Right for You?
For many Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare, free dental care is a fantastic benefit. However, eligibility isn’t universal. Some Veterans qualify for comprehensive free care, while others might only be eligible for specific dental services. If you fall into the category of not being fully covered for your dental needs by the VA, the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) offers a pathway to purchase private dental insurance at a lower cost than you might find on the open market.
Even if you are eligible for some free VA dental care, enrolling in a VADIP plan can provide supplemental dental insurance. Choosing VADIP doesn’t impact your existing eligibility for free VA dental services – it simply gives you added protection and broader coverage options for your oral health.
What Dental Services Are Covered Under VADIP?
VADIP plans are designed to cover a wide range of common dental procedures, ensuring Veterans have access to the care they need. Coverage typically includes:
- Diagnostic Services: Essential for identifying any dental issues early on.
- Preventive Dental Care: This includes regular cleanings, check-ups, and treatments to prevent problems before they start, which is a core part of any good dental care program.
- Endodontic and Restorative Services: Treatments like root canals and fillings to manage oral health issues and restore the function and health of your teeth.
- Dental Surgery: Coverage for surgical procedures when necessary.
- Emergency Dental Care: Important for unexpected dental problems that require immediate attention.
The actual cost of VADIP coverage will depend on the specific insurance company and plan you select. With any VADIP plan, you will be responsible for:
- Paying the monthly insurance premium for each person covered under your plan.
- Any co-payments required by your chosen plan when you receive dental care.
To explore the detailed coverage, plan options, and premium rates, you can visit the websites of the two providers offering VADIP plans:
Learn about Delta Dental coverage
Learn about MetLife coverage
Enrolling in the Veterans Affairs Dental Insurance Program
Enrolling in VADIP is a straightforward online process. Once you’ve reviewed the plans from Delta Dental and MetLife and decided which best suits your needs, you can enroll directly through their websites:
Enroll in Delta Dental plan or Enroll in MetLife plan
After enrollment, you can manage your plan and access your benefits through your chosen provider’s website. This makes it easy to keep track of your coverage and utilize your dental care program benefits.
VADIP Pilot Program and Re-enrollment
It’s important to note that VADIP isn’t entirely new. A pilot program existed from 2013 to 2017. If you were enrolled in the pilot program previously, you do need to enroll again to receive current coverage. Be aware that plan options and associated costs may have changed since the pilot program.
Need More Information About VADIP?
If you have further questions about specific VADIP plans, reach out directly to the insurance providers:
For Delta Dental inquiries, please call 855-370-3303.
For MetLife inquiries, please call 888-310-1681.
Understanding your options for dental care is crucial, and the VA Dental Care Program (VADIP) offers a valuable resource for Veterans seeking affordable and comprehensive dental insurance.
