TRICARE dental coverage extended

Falls Church, Va.—The TRICARE retiree dental program has extended coverage to certain National Guard, military reservists and family members as authorized by Congress.

An announcement posted March 12, 2010 at www.retirees.af.mil says the coverage is available to retired service members who receive retirement pay, “gray area” retired National Guard and Reserve members entitled to but not receiving retirement pay, Medal of Honor recipients and children up to age 21, or 23 if they are full-time students, and spouses of these retirees. Recent defense legislation authorized coverage for “gray area” retirees who have served sufficient time and are eligible for retirement benefits but are under age 60.

A premium-based plan administered by Delta Dental, the TRICARE retiree dental program is voluntary and has cost shares for certain services after beneficiaries meet their per-person deductible. Premiums are automatically deducted from retirement pay.