More than 1.8 million beneficiaries will see a change in their dental coverage next year as the government has just awarded United Concordia Companies, Inc. Tricare’s dental contract.
MetLife has held the contract since they took it over from United Concordia in 2012. Now that the government has made the switch back, there is plenty of protest.
If you’re worried about scheduling your next cleaning, note that United Concordia doesn’t take over Tricare dental until February 1, 2017.
The contract award is for $11,010,000 to support the Tricare Dental Program by providing comprehensive dental care services around the world to eligible Tricare beneficiaries. There were 4 offers made, but ultimately the Department of Defense (DoD) went with United Concordia. The 5-year contract includes 1-year transition in contract with 5 12-month option periods and a 12-month phase out period. United Concordia already manages the Tricare Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP) for active duty service members.
United Concordia reports that surveys confirm that enrolled members and the government are both satisfied with their service.
Some beneficiaries however are skeptical of the change.
When the DoD awarded the Tricare Dental Program contract to MetLife in 2012, many were delighted to find dental coverage expanded in many categories. The annual maximum amount covered increased, the lifetime orthodontic coverage increased, there was an addition of accidental dental injury and pregnant women were allowed an extra cleaning.
Now there is worry that some of these additions won’t carry over.
If United Concordia does keep these category expansions going, the question then becomes how much will this cost? A company spokesperson said that they don’t have specifics on Tricare dental coverage yet as they are still working out details with the government. In turn, the DoD says it cannot comment until the protests have been settled. That leaves a lot of room for questions and wondering minds.
A few program details have been announced however. The annual maximum benefit will increase from $1,300 to $1,500 under the new contract. Sealants, which required a 20 percent cost share under MetLife’s management, will now be completely covered with no out-of-pocket costs at all.
Monthly premiums won’t be going away though. All beneficiaries who are currently required to pay a monthly premium will still incur that cost. Two free cleanings a year will continue to be the norm and pregnant women will be able to have a third cleaning.
Is your family enrolled in the Tricare Dental Program?
While these benefits are all great, some worry that they will have to find a new dental provider once the change in contract occurs. Each dental office can choose which provider they accept for dental coverage and they might not accept Tricare under United Concordia. It can be nerve-racking enough going to a dentist. Once you find one you like and trust, whether for yourself or your family, you want to stick with them. Facing the potential to have to search for a new dental office is cumbersome.
If you’re worried about scheduling your next cleaning, note that United Concordia doesn’t take over Tricare dental until February 1, 2017, so you have plenty of time to see your dental care provider.
If you or a family member are not enrolled in the Tricare Dental Program and would like to do so, you can sign up online.
The Tricare Dental Program is the world’s largest voluntary dental program. Those eligible for enrollment include: family members of active duty service members, family members of national guard/reserve members, and national guard/reserve members who are not on active duty or covered by Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP).
Coverage is available worldwide. It includes coverage for many dental procedures including:
- exams
- cleanings
- fluorides
- sealants
- X-rays
- fillings
- root canals
- gum surgery and tooth extractions
- crowns
- dentures
- orthodontics and braces
- scaling and root planning for diabetics
- as well as an additional cleaning for pregnant women.
If you’re worried about how the Tricare Dental Program will change after the contact award, don’t delay in making a trip to your favorite dentist before next year.
Hi Kimber,
Thank you for sharing this very informative article. I find it useful and very much helpful. Keep on posting informative articles. Thanks!
I’m not pleased that United Concordia has won back the Tricare Dental Contract. MetLife was a very welcome change to our dental coverage. It offered better care for less out-of-pocket money. For instance, previously under United Concordia, if my child required a filling we had the option of a silver filling for approximately $25 out-of-pocket, or ‘white’ filling for approximately $75 out-of-pocket. Most people like myself would choose the cheaper cost, especially if there were multiple fillings required. The silver fillings are not good for health and they don’t blend in cosmetically like the tooth-colored fillings. But that was the choice we had. Under MetLife, they didn’t even offer the old-fashioned silver fillings and the tooth-colored fillings were far cheaper than the $75 or more under United Concordia. With a second child going into braces, I’m concerned about another increase in out-of-pocket expenses due to the contract change. I’m hoping there is a way to protest this that may actually be heard.
Does this include Delta Dental
If we were still active duty, I would LOVE this switch back to UC. With MetLife, every claim is a fight as they pick it apart and try to find loopholes that allow them not to pay for certain items that United Concordia did cover.
Does this contract change also apply to the TRICARE retiree dental program?
Seems like everyone was listed except for family member of deceased, retired Air Force person. Am I, as the wife of deceased member, still covered?
Thanks,
Martha
Will new dental id cards be issued by United Concordia
Kimber, thank you for the informative article. I appreciate the advanced notice and will be talking with my dentist very soon. I am always concerned about my dental care since I am a cancer survivor and a diabetic. I thoroughly enjoy and respect the relationship I have with my dentist and his staff.
I look forward to your future articles.
I am retired and just started in January my dental thru Delta Dental. Is this the same or will we be able
to stay as is?
Bernard Powell
Also wondering, but see no answers to the question, does this include Delta Dental for retirees?
following as a retiree
What about Delta Dental?
Will it be changed too just like Met Life?
My husband is ex-pow world war .he is 97. He has dental work at th va. As his source and care giver will I be entitled to dental coverage? Please comment.
I didn’t see anything regarding military retirees and spouses
How does Delta Dental come into play in this change?