Does Tricare For Life Cover Dental and Vision?
One of the most common questions we receive at the Tricare For Life Care Initiative (TFLCI) is whether Tricare For Life covers routine dental care and vision services.
The short answer is generally, no. However, there are important exceptions for medically necessary care, and many military retirees choose to enroll in a separate dental and vision plan through BENEFEDS/FEDVIP.
Here's what you need to know.
Quick Answer
Routine dental care: Generally not covered by Tricare For Life.
Routine vision care: Generally not covered by Tricare For Life in the United States.
Medically necessary dental and vision services: May be covered when they meet Medicare and Tricare coverage requirements.
Additional dental and vision coverage: Many military retirees purchase coverage through BENEFEDS/FEDVIP.
Does Tricare For Life Cover Routine Dental Care?
In most cases, no.
Routine dental services such as:
Dental cleanings
Exams
Fillings
Crowns
Bridges
Dentures
Dental implants
Routine tooth extractions
generally aren't covered by Tricare For Life.
However, Tricare may cover certain adjunctive dental services when they're medically necessary as part of another covered medical treatment. You can learn more by reviewing the official TRICARE Dental Coverage guidance.
Does Tricare For Life Cover Vision Care?
Routine vision care is also generally not covered by Tricare For Life in the United States.
This includes services such as:
Routine eye exams for glasses
Eyeglasses
Contact lenses
Routine vision screenings
However, Medicare may cover certain medically necessary vision services, such as treatment for eye diseases or cataract surgery. When Medicare covers a service, Tricare For Life generally acts as the second payer.
You can learn more by reviewing the official TRICARE Vision Coverage information and Medicare Vision Coverage guidance.
What About Medically Necessary Vision Care?
Although routine vision care generally isn't covered by Tricare For Life in the United States, Medicare does cover certain medically necessary vision services.
For example, Medicare covers annual diabetic eye exams for eligible beneficiaries with diabetes when performed by a qualified eye care provider. You can learn more by reviewing Medicare's official Diabetic Eye Exams guidance.
Medicare also generally covers medically necessary cataract surgery. Following a covered cataract surgery with implantation of an intraocular lens, Medicare also covers one pair of standard eyeglasses or one set of contact lenses. Because Tricare For Life coordinates with Medicare, it generally acts as the second payer for these Medicare-covered services.
For more information, review Medicare's official Cataract Surgery and Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses After Cataract Surgery guidance.
Should I Enroll in FEDVIP?
Many military retirees and their eligible family members choose to enroll in a separate dental and vision plan through BENEFEDS, which administers the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).
FEDVIP offers a variety of dental and vision plans from private insurance companies. Benefits, premiums, provider networks, and covered services vary depending on the plan you choose.
If you're looking for routine dental care, eyeglasses, contact lenses, or routine eye exams, a FEDVIP plan may be worth considering.
Before enrolling, compare plans carefully to determine which option best fits your healthcare needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tricare For Life pay for dental cleanings?
No. Routine dental cleanings generally aren't covered by Tricare For Life.
Does Tricare For Life cover dentures or dental implants?
Routine dentures and dental implants generally aren't covered. However, certain medically necessary adjunctive dental services may be covered when they meet Tricare's coverage requirements.
Does Tricare For Life cover eye exams?
Routine eye exams for glasses generally aren't covered in the United States. Medicare may cover eye exams and treatments that are medically necessary for certain conditions.
Does Tricare For Life cover eyeglasses?
Generally, no. One exception is that Medicare may cover one pair of standard eyeglasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery with an implanted intraocular lens.
Is FEDVIP required if I have Tricare For Life?
No. FEDVIP is optional. Many retirees choose to enroll because Tricare For Life generally doesn't cover routine dental and vision care.
Helpful Resources
For additional information, visit these official resources:
You may also find these TFLCI Resource Center articles helpful:
⚠️ Educational Disclaimer
The Tricare For Life Care Initiative (TFLCI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational information to military retirees, families, and beneficiaries. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency, TRICARE, Medicare, or the Social Security Administration. Always refer to official government sources or contact the appropriate agency regarding your individual benefits and eligibility.