TRICARE Orthodontic & Braces Coverage Guide (2026) | TRICARE.com

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## Quick answer TRICARE pharmacy and medical benefits do not cover orthodontics (braces) for the majority of beneficiaries. Instead, orthodontic coverage is provided through separate voluntary dental programs: the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) for active duty families and Reservists, or the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) for retirees.

Details

### Active Duty Family Members and Guard/Reserve (TDP) The TRICARE Dental Program (TDP), currently administered by United Concordia, is the primary vehicle for orthodontic coverage for active duty families and National Guard/Reserve members.

* **Eligibility:** Coverage is generally limited to patients between ages 7 and 21. If a patient is over 21, they may be eligible only if they meet specific "family member student" criteria. * **Cost Share:** For the 2026 plan year, there is typically a **50% cost-share** (co-payment) for orthodontic services. * **Lifetime Maximum:** There is a lifetime orthodontic maximum of **$1,750 per person**. Once you reach this limit, you pay 100% of the remaining costs. * **Wait Periods:** There is no waiting period for orthodontic services under TDP.

### Retirees and Their Families (FEDVIP) Retirees and their clinical dependents do not use the TDP. They must enroll in **FEDVIP**, managed by OPM. Because FEDVIP offers multiple private insurance carriers (such as Delta Dental, MetLife, or Blue Cross Blue Shield), the coverage levels vary significantly by the specific plan chosen.

* **2026 Variation:** Some "High" plans offer higher lifetime maximums (often $2,000–$3,500), while "Standard" plans may have lower limits or longer waiting periods. * **Waiting Periods:** Unlike the TDP, some FEDVIP plans require you to be enrolled for 12 months before orthodontic coverage begins.

### Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) Active duty members receive dental care through military dental clinics. Orthodontic care is extremely limited for ADSMs and is usually only approved if it is deemed medically necessary for readiness or to treat a severe underlying condition (e.g., as part of orthognathic surgery). ADSMs cannot enroll in the TDP.

### Medical Necessity Exceptions While "cosmetic" braces are never covered by TRICARE medical, TRICARE (the medical health plan) may cover certain orthodontic-related expenses if they are a direct requirement for the treatment of a medical condition, such as: * Cleft lip and palate. * Severe craniofacial anomalies. * Treatment of secondary complications from a traumatic injury. * Pre- and post-operative care related to covered orthognathic (jaw) surgery.

## Who this affects * **Active Duty Family Members:** Eligible via TDP enrollment. * **National Guard & Reserve:** Members and families eligible via TDP enrollment. * **Retirees and Families:** Eligible via FEDVIP enrollment. * **Active Duty Service Members:** Generally not eligible unless for severe medical readiness issues. * **Survivors:** Eligible via TDP (transitional) or FEDVIP.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil (Dental Care):** https://www.tricare.mil/Dental * **United Concordia (TRICARE Dental Program):** https://www.uccitdp.com/ * **BENEFEDS (FEDVIP Orthodontic Comparison):** https://www.benefeds.com/ * **TRICARE.mil (Cleft Lip and Palate Policy):** https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/CleftLipPalate