Enrolling in the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP), which is administered by MetLife, is a pretty easy process. However, there a few things that you need to know prior to enrollment.
First and foremost, any military dependent who wishes to participate in the TRICARE Dental Program must first be registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).
If you're already enrolled in DEERS, the next thing you'll probably want to know is the cost of your monthly premiums.
The following rates are effective through February 1, 2013.
Active Duty
Single Premium, which covers one family member: $10.30 per month.
Family Premium, which covers more than one family member: $30.89 per month.
Reserve Members
The following rates are for members of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve and Individual Ready Reserve (Special Mobilization Only)
Sponsor Only Premium: $10.30 per month.
Single Premium, which covers one family member, not including the sponsor: $25.74 per month. (Note: If both the sponsor and a single family member are enrolled, the premium due is the total of the sponsor-only premium and the single premium.)
Family Premium, which covers more than one family member, not including the sponsor: $77.22 per month.
Sponsor and Family Premium, which covers all family members, including the sponsor: $87.52 per month.
Individual Ready Reserve (IRR)
The following premiums are for members of the IRR (Non-Special Mobilization)
Sponsor-Only Premium: $25.74 per month
Single Premium, which covers one family member, not including the sponsor: $25.74 per month.
(Note: If both the sponsor and a single family member are enrolled, the premium due is the total of the sponsor-only premium and the single premium.)
Family Premium, which covers more than one family member, not including the sponsor: $77.22 per month.
Sponsor and Family Premium, which covers all family members, including the sponsor: $102.96 per month.
Enrollment Process
For your convenience, when you're ready to enroll in the TDP you have three options to choose from.
1. Online
According to TRICARE, enrolling via their Web site is the fastest and most convenient method. You can sign up for the Tricare Dental Program by using the Beneficiary Web Enrollment (BWE) portal at the TRICARE Web site.
2. By Phone
To enroll by phone, please call MetLife by using one of the following phone numbers:
3. By Mail
If you prefer to enroll by mail, you'll first need to go to www.tricare.mil/bwe and download the TRICARE Dental Program Enrollment Authorization form.
After the sponsor completes the form, you'll need to mail the document, along with a check or money order for your first month's premium to:
MetLife TRICARE Dental Program
Enrollment and Billing Services
P.O. Box 14185
Lexington, Kentucky 40512
Please note: If you prefer to pay your premium with your credit card, simply supply that information in the appropriate place on the form.
The Start of Your Coverage
When you make your request to enroll in the TRICARE Dental Program, MetLife will confirm your eligibility with DEERS. Once that's completed, the date your coverage will begin depends on when MetLife receives your initial premium payment.
If they receive your premium payment before the 20th of the month, your coverage will begin on the first day of the following month. If your payment is received after the 20th of the month, your coverage will begin on the first day of the second month following the receipt of your initial premium payment. For example, if your payment was received on July 15, your coverage would begin on August 1. However, if your initial premium payment was received on July 23, your coverage would go into effect on September 1.
Once your coverage begins, you'll receive a TRICARE Dental Program ID card in the mail along with a comprehensive program benefits book.
If you have any questions regarding the TRICARE Dental Program, please don't hesitate to call MetLife at one of the phone numbers listed above and a representative will be happy to assist you.
First and foremost, any military dependent who wishes to participate in the TRICARE Dental Program must first be registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).
If you're already enrolled in DEERS, the next thing you'll probably want to know is the cost of your monthly premiums.
The following rates are effective through February 1, 2013.
Active Duty
Single Premium, which covers one family member: $10.30 per month.
Family Premium, which covers more than one family member: $30.89 per month.
Reserve Members
The following rates are for members of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve and Individual Ready Reserve (Special Mobilization Only)
Sponsor Only Premium: $10.30 per month.
Single Premium, which covers one family member, not including the sponsor: $25.74 per month. (Note: If both the sponsor and a single family member are enrolled, the premium due is the total of the sponsor-only premium and the single premium.)
Family Premium, which covers more than one family member, not including the sponsor: $77.22 per month.
Sponsor and Family Premium, which covers all family members, including the sponsor: $87.52 per month.
Individual Ready Reserve (IRR)
The following premiums are for members of the IRR (Non-Special Mobilization)
Sponsor-Only Premium: $25.74 per month
Single Premium, which covers one family member, not including the sponsor: $25.74 per month.
(Note: If both the sponsor and a single family member are enrolled, the premium due is the total of the sponsor-only premium and the single premium.)
Family Premium, which covers more than one family member, not including the sponsor: $77.22 per month.
Sponsor and Family Premium, which covers all family members, including the sponsor: $102.96 per month.
Enrollment Process
For your convenience, when you're ready to enroll in the TDP you have three options to choose from.
1. Online
According to TRICARE, enrolling via their Web site is the fastest and most convenient method. You can sign up for the Tricare Dental Program by using the Beneficiary Web Enrollment (BWE) portal at the TRICARE Web site.
2. By Phone
To enroll by phone, please call MetLife by using one of the following phone numbers:
- CONUS: 1-855-638-8371
- OCONUS: 1-855-638-8372
- TDD/TTY: 1-855-638-8373
3. By Mail
If you prefer to enroll by mail, you'll first need to go to www.tricare.mil/bwe and download the TRICARE Dental Program Enrollment Authorization form.
After the sponsor completes the form, you'll need to mail the document, along with a check or money order for your first month's premium to:
MetLife TRICARE Dental Program
Enrollment and Billing Services
P.O. Box 14185
Lexington, Kentucky 40512
Please note: If you prefer to pay your premium with your credit card, simply supply that information in the appropriate place on the form.
The Start of Your Coverage
When you make your request to enroll in the TRICARE Dental Program, MetLife will confirm your eligibility with DEERS. Once that's completed, the date your coverage will begin depends on when MetLife receives your initial premium payment.
If they receive your premium payment before the 20th of the month, your coverage will begin on the first day of the following month. If your payment is received after the 20th of the month, your coverage will begin on the first day of the second month following the receipt of your initial premium payment. For example, if your payment was received on July 15, your coverage would begin on August 1. However, if your initial premium payment was received on July 23, your coverage would go into effect on September 1.
Once your coverage begins, you'll receive a TRICARE Dental Program ID card in the mail along with a comprehensive program benefits book.
If you have any questions regarding the TRICARE Dental Program, please don't hesitate to call MetLife at one of the phone numbers listed above and a representative will be happy to assist you.