TRICARE Retiree Dental Benefits Guide (2026) | TRICARE.com

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## Quick answer TRICARE itself does not provide a managed dental plan for retirees. Instead, retirees and their families are eligible for dental coverage through the **Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)**, managed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Beneficiaries can choose from multiple private insurance carriers with varying premiums and coverage levels during the annual Open Season.

## In detail Since the sunset of the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) in 2018, dental coverage for the military retiree community has shifted to the federal civilian model. This transition allows retirees more flexibility but requires them to proactively enroll and pay monthly premiums directly to their chosen provider.

### How FEDVIP Works FEDVIP is a voluntary program. Unlike TRICARE medical plans, you do not have a single "standard" dental option. You choose from several national and regional carriers, such as: * Aetna Dental * Delta Dental * GEHA Connection Dental * MetLife Federal Dental * UnitedHealthcare Dental

### Coverage Tiers Most FEDVIP plans offer two levels of coverage: 1. **Standard:** Lower monthly premiums, higher cost-sharing (copays/coinsurance) for major work. 2. **High:** Higher monthly premiums, lower out-of-pocket costs for major procedures, and often higher annual maximums.

### 2026 Costs and Rates Because FEDVIP is comprised of private plans, rates vary significantly based on your zip code and the number of people covered (Self, Self Plus One, or Self and Family). * **Premiums:** Varies by plan and location—check the OPM/BENEFEDS portal for 2026 rates. * **Deductibles:** Most plans have a $0 deductible for Year 1 preventive care; Class B and C services often have a $50 annual deductible. * **Waiting Periods:** Most FEDVIP plans have **no waiting periods** for orthodontic or major restorative work if you enroll during Open Season.

### Coverage Comparison (Typical FEDVIP Structure) | Service Category | Typical Standard Plan | Typical High Plan | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Preventive (Cleanings/X-rays)** | 100% Covered | 100% Covered | | **Basic (Fillings)** | 50% – 60% Covered | 70% – 80% Covered | | **Major (Crowns/Bridges)** | 30% – 40% Covered | 50% Covered | | **Orthodontia** | Varies (often limited) | up to 50% (higher limits) | | **Annual Maximum** | $1,500 – $2,500 | Unlimited or $5,000+ |

## Who this applies to * **Retired Service Members:** Those entitled to retired pay, including those on the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) and Permanent Disability Retired List (PDRL). * **Retired National Guard and Reserve:** "Gray Area" retirees who have reached 20 years of service but are not yet age 60 are eligible for FEDVIP dental. * **Family Members:** Spouses and unmarried children (up to age 21, or 23 if a full-time student) of retired service members. * **Survivors:** Unmarried surviving spouses and children of deceased active duty or retired members. * **Medal of Honor Recipients:** And their eligible family members.

*Note: Active duty service members are NOT eligible for FEDVIP; they use the TRICARE Active Duty Dental Program (United Concordia).*

Common scenarios

**The Routine User (2026)** Retired Navy Commander "Jim" lives in Virginia. He enrolls in a **Standard** FEDVIP plan for himself only. His premium is approximately $35/month. He goes in for two cleanings and one filling. The cleanings cost him $0 out of pocket. For the $200 filling, he pays a 40% coinsurance ($80). Total annual cost for dental: $500.

**The Major Procedure (2026)** Retired Army Sergeant "Sarah" knows she needs a dental implant. She chooses a **High** FEDVIP plan. Her premium is $60/month. The implant and crown cost $4,000. Her plan covers 50% of major work. She pays $2,000 out of pocket. Because she chose the High plan, she does not hit an "annual maximum" cap, which might have stopped coverage at $1,500 on a Standard plan.

## Related terms * **BENEFEDS:** The official enrollment portal for FEDVIP dental and vision plans. * **Open Season:** The annual period (typically mid-November to mid-December) when you can enroll in or change dental plans. * **Qualifying Life Event (QLE):** Events like marriage, birth, or retirement that allow you to enroll in FEDVIP outside of Open Season. * **TRICARE For Life (TFL):** Medicare-wraparound coverage for retirees; TFL does *not* include dental, making FEDVIP enrollment necessary for most. * **Class A, B, C Services:** Insurance shorthand for Preventive (A), Basic (B), and Major (C) dental procedures.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil (Dental):** https://www.tricare.mil/dental * **BENEFEDS (Enrollment):** https://www.benefeds.com * **OPM.gov (FEDVIP):** https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/dental-vision/ * **Defense Health Agency:** https://health.mil/Selection-of-FEDVIP