As the largest integrated health care system in the country, the VA offers a vast array of services and programs. Not all of these offerings are familiar to eligible veterans and their families; one example is the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP).
The VA provides dental care to only a small fraction of veterans enrolled in its health care system. Of the over 9 million veterans enrolled in VA health care, only about 15% are eligible to receive dental care.
Eligibility for VA dental care is limited to veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 100%, veterans with a service-connected dental condition, former prisoners of war, or homeless veterans.
[AT VA.GOV: VA Dental Care]
VADIP began as a pilot program under the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2012, part of recognition from Congress and the VA that good oral health is important to the overall health of the veteran. From Jan. 1, 2014, to Jan. 31, 2017, the VA evaluated the feasibility of providing a premium-based dental insurance program and advised Congress of its support. The program became permanent in September 2021 through the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act.
The program allows the department to provide affordable oral care to those who otherwise could not access it. Veterans enrolled in VA health care, or the surviving spouse or dependent children of a veteran or servicemember enrolled in the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA (CHAMPVA), may be eligible for VADIP. VADIP coverage is provided through Delta Dental and MetLife networks.
While VADIP covered services may vary by the insurance company chosen, procedures generally covered include:
- Diagnostic services
- Preventive dental care
- Root canals and other services to manage oral health problems and restore function (called endodontic or restorative services)
- Dental surgery
- Emergency dental care
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Participants in the program must pay the full costs of the premium and copays associated with the dental insurance plan. VADIP is available throughout the U.S. and its territories. Benefits offered through VADIP are similar to programs offered to federal employees and members of Congress.
Improved Care for Veterans
Dental health, like mental health, is important to veteran’s health; MOAA appreciates the efforts of the VA and Congress in establishing VADIP, and we encourage the VA to promote the program more aggressively to both veterans and their families as an important alternative. We also encourage Congress to provide the VA with the funding it needs to market VADIP to all eligible veterans and CHAMPVA enrollees.
For more information on VADIP, click on the links below:
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