Tricare Dental Program begins new contract

TRICARE Management Activity began its new TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) contract with United Concordia Companies Inc. on Feb 1, 2006. United Concordia will continue 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/or their eligible family members.

Under the new contract, TRICARE has added benefits to the dental program, including 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.

“We will work closely with United Concordia to maintain beneficiary and provider satisfaction while ensuring that quality and access standards continue to be met,” said Col Gary Martin, director, Dental Care Division, TRICARE Management Activity. “It is a cost-effective benefit that eligible beneficiaries cannot afford to do without to maintain their dental health.”

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. Beginning Feb 1, 2006 through Jan 31, 2007, the monthly single member enrollment premium for most eligible beneficiaries is $10.51 with the family premium as low as $26.27 per month.

Specific information on enrollment, premium costs, and benefits can be found at www.TRICAREdentalprogram.com

The TDP program encourages diagnostic and preventive care for children ages one to four. Sponsors are encouraged to enroll their children at age one to ensure a good foundation for dental health and may help reduce costs later for unnecessary dental procedures.

Cost shares will continue to be reduced for active duty service members in pay grades E-1 to E-4 for some dental services under the new contract. The reduction in cost-shares is provided to encourage these families to seek appropriate dental care and improve their dental health.

All current TDP-enrolled members will receive a new personalized TDP Identification Card and benefit booklet prior to the new contract taking effect. TDP enrollees and providers will be sent regular updates on benefits and coverage. New enrollees will be sent a personalized TDP Identification Card and benefit booklet. United Concordia accepts and enrolls new members by phone or on their Web site.

For more information to include enrollment, beneficiaries may access the TDP online at  www.TRICAREdentalprogram.com,

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