Check out the best dental insurance for retired military officers and their families. All dental programs suggested in the post are FEDVIP approved.
Are you a retired member of the armed forces looking for low-cost dental insurance? The Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) may be your answer. With FEDVIP, you can choose from multiple dental insurance providers, with coverage costs that are much lower than those offered by the now-defunct TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP).
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at FEDVIP approved dental insurance for retired military programs, explore who is eligible for them, how much coverage costs, and how to choose the best plan.
So if you’re curious about getting the best former military dental insurance, read on!
What is FEDVIP (Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program)?
FEDVIP is a voluntary, enrollee-pay-all dental and vision insurance program sponsored by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
It is separate from the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, which provides health insurance to federal employees.
FEDVIP Dental Insurance offers eligible participants a range of plans from 12 dental and 5 vision carriers.
The dental plans offered by FEDVIP cover a wide range of dental services, including preventive services that are fully covered when you go to an in-network provider.
If you use an in-network dentist, you do not need to pay any deductibles. In addition, there is no waiting period for major services like crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for FEDVIP Dental Insurance, you must be an active or retired federal employee or annuitant who is enrolled in the FEHB Program.
You must also meet certain eligibility requirements based on your employment status.
For example, if you are a retiree, you must have been enrolled in the FEHB Program when you retired. If you are an active employee, you must be enrolled in the FEHB Program at the time of enrollment in FEDVIP Dental Insurance.
Enrollment Process
Enrolling in FEDVIP Dental Insurance is easy and can be done online through BENEFEDS. Once you have created an account with BENEFEDS, you can select a plan that meets your needs and budget.
The premiums for FEDVIP Dental Insurance are paid pre-tax – savings for you!
Coverage automatically continues each year unless canceled or changed during open season or due to other qualifying life events such as marriage or divorce.
Plans Available
FEDVIP Dental Insurance offers several different plans with varying levels of coverage and cost options.
The most popular plan is the High Option Plan which covers preventive care at 100%, basic services at 80%, major services at 50%, orthodontic services at 50%, and out-of-network coverage up to 70%.
Other plans include Standard Option Plan, Low Option Plan, National Fee-for-Service Plan, and Regional Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans.
Each plan has different benefits so it’s important to compare them carefully before making a decision.
12 Best Dental Insurance for Retired Military: FEDVIP Approved Providers
The FEDVIP Dental Insurance Program offers enrollees a range of plans from 10 dental carriers.
Below are the FEDVIP approved dental insurance plan providers for retired military:

1. Aetna Dental
The Aetna Dental Plan for the retired military is an excellent choice for those looking to maintain good dental health.
The plan includes coverage to see any licensed dentist for preventive, minor, and major services, and there is no deductible.
Retired members of the uniformed services and National Guard/Reserve components, including “gray-area” retirees under age 60 and their families are eligible for this plan.
The Aetna Dental Direct plan covers in-network preventive care 100% with no out-of-pocket cost. It also offers coverage for restorative care such as fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, and root canals.
2. Delta Dental
Delta Dental is an approved insurance provider for the Federal Employees Dental Program (FEDVIP) for elderly military officers.
This program provides dental coverage to eligible individuals and their families, including those who are enrolled in TRICARE dental program.
Delta Dental offers two plan options to choose from, both of which provide comprehensive coverage for preventive care, restorative care, and major services such as crowns and bridges.
The plans also include discounts on orthodontic services and access to a network of over 80 million smiles worldwide.
The FEDVIP program makes it easy to find a dentist in your area by using the Provider Locator tool on the Delta Dental website.
You can search by zip code or city/state to find a dentist that is part of the FEDVIP network.
Once you have found a dentist that meets your needs, you can register online and start taking advantage of your benefits right away.
In brief, with Delta Dental’s FEDVIP program, retired military personnel can be sure they are getting quality dental care at an affordable price.
3. EmblemHealth Dental
The EmblemHealth FEDVIP Dental Program is an approved dental insurance provider for retired military personnel and their families.
This program was created to provide federal employees and retirees with cost-sharing responsibilities that are tailored to their needs.
EmblemHealth offers a wide range of coverage options, including Standard and High Option plans, which provide comprehensive dental care coverage at competitive rates.
EmblemHealth’s FEDVIP program provides coverage for preventive services such as cleanings, exams, x-rays, and fillings; major services such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants; and orthodontic services such as braces.
The plan also covers emergency care and certain specialty services like periodontics or endodontics.
With EmblemHealth’s Dental Program, retired military personnel can rest assured that they will have access to quality dental care at an affordable rate.
4. FEP BlueDental
FEP BlueDental is a dental insurance provider for pensioned military personnel. It is part of the Federal Employee Program (FEP) and is administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
FEP BlueDental offers comprehensive coverage for preventive care, including up to three dental cleanings per year, as well as coverage for major services such as fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, and dentures.
The plan also covers orthodontic services for adults and children.
In addition to providing quality coverage at an affordable cost, FEP BlueDental also offers online services that make it easy to check eligibility, benefits, and claims reimbursement.
Retired military personnel who are looking for a reliable dental insurance provider should consider FEP BlueDental. With its comprehensive coverage options and convenient online services, it’s a great choice for those who want quality care at an affordable price.
5. GEHA Dental
GEHA is a dental insurance provider for retired military personnel and their dependents. They offer two different plans, Standard and High, that provide comprehensive coverage for preventive, basic, and major services.
The Standard plan covers 100% of preventive services such as cleanings and x-rays, 80% of basic services such as fillings and extractions, and 50% of major services such as crowns or bridges.
The High plan covers 100% of preventive services, 90% of basic services, and 80% of major services.
In addition to the coverage provided by these plans, GEHA also offers orthodontia benefits for both children and adults.
Furthermore, GEHA has one of the largest dental provider networks available to federal employees, military retirees, and their families.
The cost of GEHA’s plans vary depending on the number of people covered under the policy but generally ranges from $20-$50 per month per person.
This makes them an affordable option for those looking to get quality dental coverage without breaking the bank.
6. Guardian Dental
Guardian Dental is a leading dental insurance for retired military dependents. With their individual and group plans, they offer coverage for cleanings and fillings, as well as vision, accident, life, disability, and pet insurance.
They also provide affordable options for individuals and families with plans starting at $20/month.
Retired military personnel can benefit from the dental insurance plans offered by Guardian Dental. Their plans cover preventive care such as regular check-ups and cleanings, as well as major services like crowns and bridges.
Overall, Guardian Dental is an excellent choice for retired military personnel looking for quality dental coverage.
7. Humana Dental
If you are a retired military member looking for dental insurance, Humana Dental is an excellent option.
With Humana Bright Plus for Veterans, you can get additional benefits specifically designed for veterans. This plan offers coverage for preventive care, restorative services, and even orthodontic care.
The prices and plans vary depending on the type of coverage you need.
For example, if you need basic coverage, you may be eligible for a lower monthly premium than if you need more comprehensive coverage.
Additionally, there are discounts available to veterans that can help reduce the cost of your premiums.
Humana also offers other dental plans such as the Retiree Dental Coverage: FEDVIP plan which provides affordable dental insurance to military retirees and their family members.
They also offer the Best Retired Military Dental Insurance plan which is designed to provide low-cost dental insurance to retired members of the armed forces.
No matter what type of coverage you’re looking for, Humana has a variety of plans and prices that can meet your needs.
8. MetLife Dental
Retired military personnel can benefit from MetLife’s dental insurance plans. The company offers a variety of plans and prices, so you can find one that fits your budget.
For example, the MetLife Federal Dental Plan is designed specifically for retired military personnel and their families. It offers coverage for preventive care, basic services, major services, orthodontics, and more. Plus, it has no waiting periods for any service — so you can get the care you need right away.
MetLife also offers several other plans that are tailored to meet the needs of retired military personnel. These include the MetLife Preferred Dentist Program (PDP), which provides discounts on dental care from participating dentists; the My Dental PPO plan, which allows you to visit any licensed dentist and receive coverage; and the TakeAlong Dental plan, which gives you access to a nationwide network of dentists who offer discounted rates on services.
With its wide range of plans and competitive prices, MetLife is an excellent choice for retired military personnel looking for quality dental coverage at an affordable price.
9. UnitedHealthcare Dental
UnitedHealthcare is a leading dental insurance provider for retired military personnel and their families.
They offer a variety of dental plans that cover preventive, minor, and major dental care services, providing comprehensive coverage at an affordable price.
UnitedHealthcare offers family-friendly plans that include a copay of $25 or nothing for preventive care and basic and major services, which is great for families who want to save money on dental care.
The cost of UnitedHealthcare’s dental insurance plans varies depending on the level of coverage you choose, with prices ranging from $16.27 and $200.88 per month on average.
With more than 12 million dental members nationwide, UnitedHealthcare offers one of the largest dental provider networks in the country, ensuring that members have access to high-quality dental care wherever they go.
10. Ameritas
Ameritas offers a variety of dental insurance plans for retired military officers to fit all budgets, making them an ideal choice for retirees looking for affordable coverage.
Ameritas’ plans are designed to supplement Medicare and Marketplace health care plans, providing additional coverage that can help reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Ameritas offers a range of different dental insurance plans, including basic coverage, comprehensive coverage, and vision plans.
Their basic plan covers preventive care such as regular checkups and cleanings, as well as emergency services like fillings and extractions.
The comprehensive plan offers more extensive coverage for major procedures such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and orthodontics. Ameritas also provides vision plans that cover eye exams, glasses or contacts lenses, and other vision-related services.
When it comes to pricing, Ameritas offers competitive rates that vary depending on the type of plan you choose. Their basic plan starts at $20 per month for individuals and $35 per month for families.
The comprehensive plan starts at $50 per month for individuals and $90 per month for families. Vision plans start at $15 per month for individuals and $25 per month for families.
So, these were some highly recommended dental insurance plan providers approved by FEDVIP. However, it is important to carefully compare each plan and consider factors such as cost, coverage, and in-network providers before making a decision.
How FEDVIP is Different from Traditional Dental Insurance?
FEDVIP Dental Insurance differs from traditional dental insurance in several ways.
First, there are no pre-existing condition exclusions so everyone is eligible regardless of their medical history.
Second, there are no waiting periods for coverage so members can start using their benefits immediately after enrolling in a plan.
Third, there are no annual maximums or deductibles so members don’t have to worry about reaching an annual limit on their benefits or paying out of pocket expenses before they can use their coverage.
Finally, FEDVIP approved dental insurance companies allow members to see any dentist they choose without having to stay within a network – although they may pay more if they go out of network – giving them more flexibility when selecting a provider.
Tips tp to Choose one of the Best FEDVIP Dental Programs
If you’re considering enrolling in FEDVIP Dental Insurance it’s important to understand all your options before making a decision.
Compare plans carefully and make sure that the one you choose meets your needs both now and in the future as your needs may change over time due to age or lifestyle changes such as marriage or having children.
Also keep in mind that while premiums for FEDVIP Dental Insurance are paid pre-tax – resulting in lower monthly payments – members may still incur out-of-pocket expenses depending on their plan selection so it’s important to factor this into your budget when deciding which plan is right for you.
Dental Insurance Eligibility Criteria for Retired Military
If you are a retired military personnel, you may qualify for discounted dental insurance through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). But who specifically is eligible for this benefit?
To qualify for the discounted retired military dental insurance, at least one of the following criteria must apply to you:
- You must be over the age of 65 and qualified to receive retired military pay.
- You can be a member of the Retired Reserve or Guard.
- If you’re a retired “gray-area” reservist set to begin receiving retired military benefits beginning at age 60, you’re eligible.
- The spouse of a retired service member who is already enrolled with FEDVIP.
- The child of a service member who receives FEDVIP benefits — you must be under age 21 or a full-time student under age 23.
- The unmarried surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty or as the result of a service-related injury or illness.
- A Medal of Honor recipient or the spouse of a Medal of Honor recipient.
It’s important to note that you can enroll in FEDVIP only during the open enrollment period, usually from mid-November to late December.
However, you may qualify for a special enrollment period if you have experienced a qualifying life event such as marriage, loss of your dental insurance, gaining a new family member, losing a family member, or moving to another ZIP code and no longer having dental insurance because your provider doesn’t service your new area.
In brief, if you meet any of the aforementioned criteria, you may qualify for discounted dental insurance through FEDVIP.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the open enrollment period or see if you qualify for the special enrollment period.
Types of Dental Coverage
FEDVIP dental insurance plans are administered by private companies and offer two main types of coverage: Dental Health Maintenance Organizations (DHMOs) and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs). Let’s take a closer look at each:
Dental Health Maintenance Organizations (DHMOs)
DHMOs offer coverage through a network of dental service providers who accept your insurance plan.
When you sign up for a DHMO plan, you’ll receive a list of dentists in your network.
To use your benefits, you must go to one of these network providers for any dental work or services.
DHMOs are typically the most affordable dental insurance option, but service areas can be limited.
Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs)
If you choose a PPO plan, you have the flexibility to choose any dentist you’d like.
However, you can save money by visiting an in-network provider.
PPO plans are generally more expensive than DHMO plans, but could be worthwhile if you prefer your current dentist.
It’s important to review the plan details carefully to make sure you are getting the coverage that best meets your needs. Consider the costs, benefits, network, and restrictions before selecting your dental insurance plan.
FAQs About Retired Military Dental Insurance
Should I Buy Private Dental Insurance or FEDVIP Coverage?
If you are a retired military personnel, you may want to consider FEDVIP dental coverage as it offers comprehensive insurance coverage that includes preventive care, basic services, and major services. FEDVIP plans may actually save you money in the long run since there are no deductibles for preventive services and lower copays for in-network services. Additionally, FEDVIP offers a network of providers and comprehensive benefits that can ensure that your dental health is covered.
Is it worth getting Military Dental Cover?
Military dental coverage can be worth it for those who want comprehensive dental care coverage at an affordable price. Military dental insurance can fill in coverage gaps and provide additional benefits such as orthodontic care or cosmetic procedures. By having military dental insurance, you can also have more control over your dental care decisions, since you can choose the dentist or dental facility. Ultimately, the worth of military dental coverage will depend on your personal dental care needs and financial situation.
What is the Average Cost of Retired Military Dental Insurance?
The cost of a FEDVIP plan varies depending on the type of coverage chosen, but typically ranges from $10-$30 per month for individuals and $20-$60 per month for families. Additionally, some plans may offer discounts for retirees who are over 65 years old.
Does TRICARE cover Teeth whitening?
TRICARE does not cover teeth whitening services. Teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by TRICARE.
Do Military Retirees get Dental Coverage?
Yes, military retirees are eligible for dental coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).
Also Read – Can You Adopt Retired Military Dogs?
Wrapping it up…
All in all, FEDVIP dental insurance offers retired military personnel a much more cost-effective alternative to the now-defunct TRICARE Retiree Dental Program.
With multiple plans available and competitive prices, you may be able to find a plan that is perfect for you and your family’s needs.
I hope this article has helped provide some useful information and tips on how to choose the best dental insurance plan for retired military personnel.
Now it’s time to do your research, compare and contrast each plan, and make an informed decision!
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and compare, choose, and buy the best dental insurance plan for retired officers today!