This blog will help you understand where United Concordia fits in with Tricare insurance, eligibility requirements and the benefits, including orthodontics, that come with the plan. Coastline Orthodontics proudly accepts and is in network with United Concordia and has been serving Jacksonville’s military families for over 40 years!
What is United Concordia and How do I Enroll with Tricare?
United Concordia is the dental insurance company that partners with Tricare to insure service members and their families at an incredibly affordable price. This program is called the Tricare Dental Program or “TDP”. This coverage is offered only to active duty service members and their families and Gold Star families. One common misconception is that once enrolled in Tricare, dental coverage is automatically initiated. This is not true, the sponsor must complete a separate enrollment to receive dental coverage. There are three ways that this can be done.
- Enroll online through the milConnect website
- By mail using the enrollment form found on the United Concordia website
- By fax using the enrollment form found on the United Concordia website
The initial payment for the premium must also accompany the enrollment form. Enrollment can also only be completed by the sponsor. If the sponsor is unable to complete the enrollment, an individual with a valid Power of Attorney may complete the enrollment in their place. Once the enrollment is received, United Concordia will open a query with DEERS to confirm eligibility. Once eligibility has been confirmed and the first payment has been received, enrollment will then be complete. As long as everything is received by the 20th of the month, benefits will be in effect beginning the first day of the following month, however, should it be completed after the 20th, benefits will not begin until the first day of the second month.
Dental insurance for retirees is handled a little differently. While the plan for active duty service members is the same across the board, a retiree is granted a little more freedom when choosing a plan that best fits them and their family members. These plans can be found by going through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), which is offered by the Office of Personnel Management.
Tricare Dental Plan and Orthodontics
When it comes to the active duty dental benefits that come with the TDP, orthodontics is covered for family members under the age of 23. The patient will be responsible for 50% of the cost with a lifetime limit for treatment. Coastline is happy to help with the orthodontic needs of military families and can offer a very flexible monthly payment schedule to help with the patient’s cost associated with treatment.
When it comes to retirees, the coverage will vary based on what plan is chosen for the family. There is a wide variety of plans available for the retiree to choose from.
Regardless of the insurance plan, Coastline is here and ready to help you reach your smile goals. We offer the best quality care, affordable payment plans and are honored to serve those that serve our country!