Does TRICARE Cover Braces? 2026 Dental Costs & Rules | TRICARE.com

## Quick answer TRICARE does not cover braces or orthodontia for the vast majority of beneficiaries, including retirees and their families. While Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) may receive braces at military dental clinics for readiness reasons, all other beneficiaries must purchase a separate dental insurance plan, like the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) or FEDVIP, to get orthodontic coverage.

*Note: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with the official TRICARE program or the Department of Defense. Visit TRICARE.mil for official policy updates.*

Details

### TRICARE Medical vs. TRICARE Dental It is a common misconception that TRICARE Prime or Select covers dental care. TRICARE medical plans **only** cover dental services that are "medically necessary" due to a severe medical condition, such as repairing a jaw after an accident or treatment related to a cleft palate. Routine orthodontia (braces or aligners) is excluded from medical coverage.

### Coverage for Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) Active duty members may receive braces at no cost, but only if the treatment is deemed necessary to maintain mission readiness or is part of a larger surgical plan. This care must be provided at an on-base Military Dental Treatment Facility (DTF). ADSMs are generally not authorized to see civilian orthodontists unless they have a specific referral and "non-availability" memo.

### TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) - Managed by United Concordia For Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs) and National Guard/Reserve members, coverage for braces is provided through the **TRICARE Dental Program (TDP)**, which requires a separate monthly premium.

* **Eligibility:** Braces are covered for children up to age 21 (or 23 if a full-time student) and spouses up to age 23. * **Cost-Share:** For 2026, the TDP typically covers **50% of the allowed amount** for orthodontic treatment. * **Lifetime Maximum:** There is a lifetime orthodontic maximum of **$1,750 per person**. Any costs exceeding this amount must be paid out-of-pocket. * **Exclusions:** TDP does not cover braces for adult members over age 23.

### Retirees and FEDVIP Retirees and their families are not eligible for the TDP. Instead, they can enroll in the **Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)** managed by OPM. * FEDVIP offers various plans from carriers like Delta Dental, MetLife, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. * Coverage percentages and lifetime maximums vary by the specific plan chosen during Open Season. * Unlike the TDP, some FEDVIP "High" plans provide orthodontic coverage for adults, typically with a 12-month waiting period.

### West and East Regions While TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West Region) and Humana Military (East Region) manage your medical benefits, they do not manage your orthodontic benefits. You must contact **United Concordia** (for TDP) or your specific **FEDVIP carrier** for claims related to braces.

## Who this affects * **Active Duty Service Members:** Eligible only at military clinics for readiness. * **Active Duty Family Members:** Eligible via the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) up to age 21/23. * **National Guard & Reserve:** Eligible via the TDP (separate enrollment required). * **Retirees & Survivors:** Not eligible via TRICARE; must use FEDVIP or private insurance.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil - Dental Care:** https://www.tricare.mil/HealthPlan/Dental * **TRICARE Dental Program (United Concordia):** https://www.uccitdp.com/ * **BENEFEDS (FEDVIP Enrollment):** https://www.benefeds.com/ * **Humana Military (Regional Contractor):** https://www.humanamilitary.com/