Premium decreases will depend on the sponsor’s service status and type of enrollment. Image: santypan/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffBeneficiaries of the TRICARE Dental Program will notice key changes beginning March 1, to include lower costs and more services. The changes will be reflected in February bills.
“These changes reflect our commitment to providing quality dental care,” said Douglas Elsesser, a dental program analyst with the Defense Health Agency (DHA). “We’re … making this care more affordable to our members. We’re expanding access to care and embracing new technologies to better serve our military.”
The changes include:
· More dentists and specialists to choose from.
· Lower monthly premiums.
· The ability to meet with dentists online for checkups, care planning and other basic services.
Premium decreases will depend on the sponsor’s service status and type of enrollment. The following premium changes will remain in effect until Feb. 28, 2026.
· Active duty E-4 and below would pay $8.65 for one family member and $22.48 for more than one family member, other than the sponsor. Members of the Selected Reserve and Individual Ready Reserve (Mobilizaton) in this pay-grade category would also pay at these rates.
· Active duty E-5 and above would pay $11.53 for one family member and $29.98 for more than one family member, other than the sponsor.
· Single Selected Reserve and Individual Ready Reserve (Mobilization) beneficiaries would pay $28.82, with family coverage set at $74.94. Coverage for both sponsor and family in this category is set at $83.59 for E-4 and below, and $86.47 for E-5 and above.
· For Individual Ready Reserve (Non-Mobilization), both the sponsor-only and single rates are $28.82. The family rate is $74.94; coverage for both sponsor and family is $103.76.
Survivors will have no premium payments.
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