The Department of Veterans Affairs provides comprehensive dental care to the few veterans who meet eligibility standards; however, the benefit is not available to most veterans.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2014, the VA will now offer dental insurance to veterans who are in the VA health care system but not eligible for dental care through the VA, and also to dependent family members who are in the CHAMPVA program.

The VA Dental Insurance Program, or VADIP, provides the opportunity to purchase dental insurance at a reduced cost. The insurance is offered through Delta Dental and MetLife.

VADIP is a 3-year national pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing a premium-based dental insurance plan to eligible individuals. The program is mandated by Public Law 111-163, Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010.

Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program and CHAMPVA program beneficiaries are eligible to participate in VADIP. Participation in VADIP will not affect a veteran’s eligibility for dental services and treatment through the VA health care system. Dependents not in the CHAMPVA program are not eligible for this insurance.

Beginning Nov. 15, 2013, individuals interested in participating in VADIP may apply online, over the phone or by mail. Coverage begins Jan. 1, 2014, and will be provided throughout the United States and its territories.

The initial participation period will be at least 12 calendar months. Afterward, VADIP beneficiaries can renew their participation for another 12-month period or be covered month-to-month, as long as they remain eligible for coverage and the VA continues VADIP. Multiple plan options will allow participants to select a plan that provides benefits and premiums that meet their dental needs and budget.

The offered plans vary and may include diagnostic, preventive, surgical, emergency and endodontic/restorative treatment. Each participant will pay a fixed monthly premium for coverage, in addition to any copayments required by his or her plan.

For more information on VADIP, visit www.va.gov/healthbenefits/VADIP and click the insurer’s link for specific information regarding registration, rates and services, or call Delta Dental at 855-370-3303 or MetLife at 888-310-1681.

Those who would like to receive emails about veterans’ benefits from the Oneida County Veterans Service Office may send their email address to Tammy at the address below.

Tammy Walters is available at 715-369-6127 or [email protected]