Eligibility for the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program includes “gray area” retirees
The TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) is available to all military retirees (including “gray area” retirees under age 60) and their eligible family members, unremarried surviving spouses and their eligible children, as well as Medal of Honor recipients and their eligible immediate family members. The program covers cleanings, exams, fillings, root canals, gum surgery, oral surgery and dental accidents on the first day that coverage becomes effective; after 12 months of being in the program, it then covers crowns, bridges, partials, braces and dental implants. (New retirees who enroll within four months after retirement from the Uniformed Services or transfer to Retired Reserve status are eligible to waive the 12-month waiting period for major services; supporting documentation is required)
The TRDP provides every enrollee an annual maximum of $1,300 per person, a $1,200 annual maximum for dental accidents and a $1,750 lifetime maximum for orthodontics. It is important to note that the money that the TRDP pays out for preventive and diagnostic services doesn’t count against the annual maximum – those benefits are in addition to the $1,300. Retirees can find more information on the program, as well as enroll 24/7/365, online by visiting trdp.org.
TRDP enrollees realize the maximum program savings (an average of 22%) when seeing a network provider. To find a network provider, as well as utilize the Consumer Toolkit to view processed claims, see annual maximum information, sign up to receive paperless Explanation of Benefits and more, please visit trdp.org. You can also obtain more information by contacting Doug Schobel at
dschobel@delta.org.
Here are some other TRDP links and info that you might find helpful:
Enrolling - Enrolling online in the TRDP is easy via the TRICARE Beneficiary Web Enrollment (BWE) portal. Once you’ve retired and your retirement status is reflected in DEERS, simply access our Enroll Today page and follow the instructions. The TRICARE BWE portal doesn’t work well with Google Chrome, so I’d use Internet Explorer. Two month’s premium prepayment is required upon enrollment and then the monthly premiums are automatically deducted from your retired pay via an allotment. I’d also make sure to watch this Enrolling is Easy video before enrolling online, as it makes the process much easier.
Premiums - Monthly premiums are based on the zip code in which you reside and how many family members you enroll. Here is a link to find your specific premium -- Premium Search.
Find a Network Dentist for $avings - To maximize your benefits have your care performed by a TRDP network dentist. Network dentists save you a lot of time, paperwork and money (on average, savings are up to 22%!). Not only that, when seeing a network dentist you won’t ever be charged a co-pay for your 2 routine cleanings (or 3 cleanings if you’re a Type 1 or 2 Diabetic), 2 exams and annual x-ray. To find a TRDP network dentist in your area, visit
Provider Locator . Watch the Save Money video to learn more.
Managing Your Account 24/7 – A few days after enrolling in the TRDP, please Register to use the Consumer Toolkit which allows you to manage your dental program by viewing your annual maximums used-to-date as well as your processed claims, and even sign up to receive paperless statements and more. When registering, please note that your Subscriber ID is the retiree’s social security number.
Combining Coverage - You can combine the TRDP with another dental program and have them pay together to defray, or even eliminate, your cost-share (even if they're both Delta Dental programs).
How to Print an enrollment Card -
>TRICARE: Ordering a Replacement Enrollment Card
Program Materials and Resources --
TRICARE: Plan Information: Resources and Forms