Getting treatment through the VA for dental problems has generally been less than ideal. Only those veterans with service-connected dental problems have been able to get free care in the past. However, service connection for such conditions are notoriously tough to come by.
Starting this month things are drastically changing. Introducing the VA Dental Insurance Plan (VADIP).
The VA has teamed up with Delta Dental and MetLife to offer dental insurance for eligible veterans beginning November 15. There are no limitations to who can apply, so long as you are currently receiving health care through the VHA. Your compensation rating or enrollment priority do not matter for this. The price range for available plans is $8.65 to $52.90 per month. Depending on your chosen plan, you may receive diagnostic, preventative, surgical, emergency and endodontic/restorative treatment.
There are nearly 400,000 spouses and dependent children that are eligible for CHAMPVA benefits that can also purchase dental plans. Enrollment in VADIP is completely voluntary. Veterans who currently receive free treatment for service-connected dental conditions will continue to do so, but they may purchase additional coverage.
If you are interested you can either apply though MetLIfe, www.metlife.com/vadip or through Delta Dental, www.deltadentalvadip.org. Coverage is slated to begin January 1, 2014.
