A quick guide to VA dental and vision insurance

Navigating through VA healthcare benefits can be tricky at times. We break things down Barney Style below, but if you’re eager to figure it out yourself, here are the important links. Learn more about VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) by clicking here. For more information on VA vision care, go here.

Eligibility

Any Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare benefits are eligible for vision and dental care through participating clinics. The extent of coverage varies, as it depends on the situation of the individual.

Dental eligibility also applies to current or surviving spouses or dependent children of a Veteran or service member. This is the case only if they are enrolled in the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA (CHAMPVA).

What is covered by the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP)?

Two of the main Dental options are Delta Dental or MetLife. Follow the respective links to compare plans.

NOTE: Right now, this iteration of VADIP is only continuing until December 31. The authorization is expected to continue, but you never know with the goverment. If you are eligible and in need of care, apply as soon as possible.

Depending on the applicant’s needs, the following treatments can either be free, or have some out of pocket costs:

• Diagnostic services
• Dental surgery
• Emergency dental care
• Preventive dental care
• Root canals and other services to manage oral health problems and restore function
• The costs for your coverage will depend on the insurance company and plan you choose.
• Depending on which plan you are approved for, you’ll pay the full insurance premium for each individual on your plan and any required copays during care.

What about VA vision care?

If you have VA health care benefits, routine eye exams and preventative vision testing will be covered. Contact your local VA hospital to schedule an appointment.

The cost of glasses are covered, as long as one of the following requirements are met:

• You have a compensable service-connected disability (disabilities linked to military service that yield VA disability payments)
• You are a former prisoner of war (POW)
• You were awarded a Purple Heart
• You receive benefits under Title 38 United States Code (U.S.C.) 1151
• You receive an increased pension based on your being permanently housebound and in need of regular aid and attendance
• Other issues that allow glasses coverage are:
• Problems caused by an illness or the treatment of that illness for which you receive VA care, such as:
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Multiple sclerosis
• Vascular disease (those affecting blood vessels)
• Geriatric chronic illnesses (persistent illnesses affecting the elderly)
• Functional or cognitive impairments that are severe enough to make everyday tasks harder than usual.
• Vision and/or hearing loss (dual sensory impairment) that’s severe enough to interfere with your ability to take an active role in your healthcare, if eyeglasses would help reduce the impact of your impairment.

VA Health Care

In order to apply for VA insurance, you will need:

• Your Social Security Number
• A copy of your military discharge papers (DD214 or other)
• Your financial information, alongside dependent’s
• Your most recent tax return
• Any current health insurance account numbers