Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, MetLife's VADIP High Plan offers Orthodontia to children under the age of 19.  Please note that there is 24 month waiting period for Orthodontia services. 

Once you enroll in the VADIP dental program offered by MetLife, you and your eligible dependents must remain in the plan for a period of 12 months (12-month lock-in). If for any reason you decide not to continue with the plan, you can cancel your coverage within the first 30 calendar days of your enrollment (if no claims have been incurred during that time).

When the 12-month mandatory enrollment period has been completed, and you wish to continue to be covered, you do not have to take any action. If you do not wish to continue with VADIP, you must contact MetLife to request cancellation. You can also contact MetLife to make changes to your coverage after satisfying the 12-month lock-in. If you change your address or move, please make sure to contact MetLife to let us know what your new address is, so that important correspondence reaches you in a timely fashion.

With the MetLife VADIP you receive a wide range of benefits whether you and/or each eligible dependent visit an in-network dentist or choose to see an out-of-network dentist. MetLife’s dental network is one of the nation’s largest with over 458,000 dentist locations. In addition, referrals are not necessary for specialty care. When you visit an in-network dentist, you have the opportunity to make the most of your benefit plan because your out-of-pocket expenses may be lower.

The rates quoted at the time of enrollment are valid until the end of the calendar year, unless otherwise specified.

Premium payments can be made via an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), or through paper bill.

No. You and your dependents each have the freedom to choose any dentist, in or out-of-network, at any time.

The services covered by the VADIP Plan are those set forth under your group dental benefits plan located in the Plan Benefits section of this site.

MetLife recommends that you have your dentist submit a request for a pretreatment estimate for services in excess of $300. This often applies to services such as crowns, bridges, inlays, and periodontics. A pretreatment estimate of what services your plan will pay and at what payment level will be sent to you and your dentist. In addition, you can use the Procedure Fee Tool within MyBenefits to view MetLife in-network procedure costs and estimated out-of-network procedure costs in a zip code area. Once you register, the Procedure Fee Tool is available within the Quick Links on the right-hand side of the page or from the Tools and Resources tab.

If you enroll on or before the 15th of the month, your coverage will be effective on the first day of the month following the month of your enrollment.

If you enroll after the 15th of the month, your coverage will be effective on the first day of the second following month.

For example: an enrollment completed on June 9th would have a July 1st effective date, but an enrollment completed on June 17th would have an August 1 effective date.

A Graduated Maximum is a feature of the plan that encourages participation in the plan by increasing your Annual Maximum by $500 (in the high plan option) or $200 (in the standard plan option), effective on January 1st, following the completion of 12 months of enrollment in your selected plan.

Yes. You are always free to select the dentist of your choice. However, if you choose a dentist who does not participate in MetLife’s Network, your out-of-pocket expenses may be higher.

An in-network dentist is a general dentist or specialist who participates in MetLife’s PDP Plus Network and has agreed to accept a negotiated fee for services rendered to eligible Veterans. This negotiated fee is typically 30% to 45% below the average fee charged by dentists for the same services in a given geographical area. Over 85% of U.S. dental offices participate in the MetLife PDP Plus Network.

Access a list of MetLife’s in-network dentists now

Continued participation of any specific provider cannot be guaranteed. Thus, you may wish to make coverage decisions based on the plan benefits, not based on a specific provider. When you call for an appointment, please remember to verify that the selected provider is currently in the MetLife PDP Plus Network.

We encourage you to consider using a MetLife in-network dentist to help maximize the value of your plan. Of course, you can visit any dentist and still receive benefits under your plan although your out-of-pocket expenses may be higher when you visit an out-of-network dentist. If your dentist does not participate in our network, it’s easy to submit a nomination online. Just complete the required information. Once submitted, we will contact that dentist with an invitation to join our dental networks.

No. You and your dependents each have the freedom to choose any dentist, in or out-of-network, at any time.

Yes. You are always free to select the dentist of your choice. However, if you choose a dentist who does not participate in MetLife’s network, your out-of-pocket expenses may be higher.

A negotiated fee refers to the maximum charge for a service that an in-network dentist may charge to VADIP Plan participants. These fees are typically 30% to 45% below the average fee charged by a dentist for the same services in your area. Your plan may reimburse you for all or part of this fee. When you use an in-network dentist, you are responsible only for the difference between your plan's benefits payment amount and the negotiated fee for the services rendered (subject to any deductibles and maximum benefits).

* Occasionally, there may be a service for which the dentist's fee is the same or less than the MetLife negotiated fee for that service.

An in-network dentist should not bill you for amounts that are in excess of the negotiated fees that your dentist has agreed to accept as payment for services. This rule applies even if services are not covered under your specific dental plan. You should always verify that your dentist is a MetLife in-network dentist at the time of your appointment. To search for an in-network dentist near your job or home (including a map and driving directions), use the Find a Dentist function on this site or call a MetLife Customer Service Specialist – 1-888-310-1681/TDD 1-888-638-4863.

Not all dental practices join a dental network. This may be due to their unique circumstances or a philosophical difference.

Please access/register for the MyBenefits site from the home page. MyBenefits allows you to manage your benefits easily. You may view your claim and personal information.

The services covered by the Veterans Affairs Dental Plan are those set forth under your group dental benefits plan located in the Plan Benefits section of this site.

An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) Statement is a summary of your processed claim or pretreatment estimate, including services rendered, costs, and benefits paid.

Benefits for orthodontic treatment will be payable at 50% up to a lifetime maximum for only Dependent children who are enrolled in the High Option. Orthodontic benefits are subject to a 24-month waiting period which begins on the dependent child's effective date of coverage. Please refer to the Plan Benefits section for orthodontia coverage and details.

A Graduated Maximum is a feature of the plan that encourages participation in the plan by increasing your Annual Maximum by $500 (in the high plan option) or $200 (in the standard plan option), effective on January 1st, following the completion of 12 months of enrollment in your selected plan.

MetLife Claim Review is conducted by licensed dentist consultants who review the clinical documentation submitted by your treating dentist. These dentist consultants review this material checking for dental necessity for certain procedures such as crowns, bridges, onlays, implants, periodontal treatments, as well as other services. The dentist consultants may also recommend that an alternate benefit (please see below for the explanation of this benefit) be applied to a service in accordance with the terms of the plan. We encourage you and your dentist to obtain a pretreatment estimate for these types of dental services before services are provided so that you and your dentist are aware of what the plan may pay for these services.

If MetLife determines that a less costly covered service other than the covered service the dentist performed could have been performed to treat a dental condition, we will pay benefits based upon the less costly service if such services would produce a professionally acceptable result under generally accepted dental standards.

For example, when an amalgam filling and a composite filling are both professionally acceptable methods for filling a molar, or when a partial denture and fixed bridgework are both professionally acceptable methods for replacing multiple missing teeth in an arch, we may base our benefit determination upon the amalgam filling or partial denture which is the less costly service.

If we pay benefits based upon a less costly service in accordance with this section, your Dentist may charge you or your dependent for the difference between the service that was performed and the less costly service. This is the case even if the service is performed by an in-network dentist.

The time it takes to process a claim depends on the type of service performed. Most claims flow through our system quickly and efficiently, with 99% being processed within 10 business days. If additional information is needed for a claim, it may take longer.

MetLife is committed to making sure you have all the information you need to make the right decision for you and your family. If you'd like to know more about the MetLife VADIP Plan call us 1-888-310-1681 TDD 888-638-4863 8:00am to 11:00pm EST.

Sign into MyBenefits, click on the subscription button located at the top of the page, then select "Go Paperless".

Once you turn off your paper Explanation of Benefits (EOB) Statements, you will receive email alerts to notify you when a Dental claim is processed. You can view and print your Dental Explanation of Benefits (EOB) Statements from MyBenefits. Your Dental Explanation of Benefits (EOB) Statement history will remain online for a minimum of two years plus the current year.

No, there is no waiting period for major services with the exception of a 24-month waiting period for orthodontic services. Only the High Option offers Orthodontia coverage and services are limited to dependent children only up to age 19. Dependent children receiving orthodontic services must be covered under the High option for the entire 24 month waiting period. If you change plan options, you will need to satisfy a new 24 month waiting period regardless of your plan history.

No. Orthodontic care is only available for dependent children under age 19.

Yes. There are certain procedures with different age limitations. Please refer to the Plan Benefits section of this website for details.

Yes. Please refer to the Plan Benefits section of this website for details.

Once you enroll in the VADIP dental program offered by MetLife, you and your eligible dependents must remain in the plan for a period of 12 months (12-month lock-in). If for any reason you decide not to continue with the plan, you can cancel your coverage within the first 30 calendar days of your enrollment (if no claims have been incurred during that time).

When the 12-month mandatory enrollment period has been completed, and you wish to continue to be covered, you do not have to take any action. If you do not wish to continue with VADIP, you must contact MetLife to request cancellation. You can also contact MetLife to make changes to your coverage after satisfying the 12-month lock-in. If you change your address or move, please make sure to contact MetLife to let us know what your new address is, so that important correspondence reaches you in a timely fashion.

With the MetLife VADIP you receive a wide range of benefits whether you and/or each eligible dependent visit an in-network dentist or choose to see an out-of-network dentist. MetLife’s dental network is one of the nation’s largest with over 458,000 dentist locations. In addition, referrals are not necessary for specialty care. When you visit an in-network dentist, you have the opportunity to make the most of your benefit plan because your out-of-pocket expenses may be lower.

The rates quoted at the time of enrollment are valid until the end of the calendar year, unless otherwise specified.

Premium payments can be made via an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), or through paper bill.

You may enroll in the VADIP using the below options:

Online: visit MyBenefits

By Phone: call 1-888-310-1681 TDD 888-638-4863 8:00am EST to 11:00pm EST

By Mail: Please download, and print the enrollment form

No, you do not need to present an ID card to prove coverage or confirm that you are eligible for the VADIP Plan. To access your online ID card, sign into MyBenefits and select "Get ID card" from the right navigation bar.

If your dependents are eligible for VADIP coverage under CHAMPVA, they can enroll in the VADIP, even if the Veteran does not.

If you are a non-CHAMPVA Dependent:

While non-CHAMPVA dependents are not eligible for the MetLife VADIP, there is a comparable plan you may be able to enroll in. However, you must enroll along with an eligible Veteran.

If the eligible Veteran has already completed enrollment, he or she must contact us at the number below to add you to his or her plan.

Please note that unless they meet certain disability requirements, comparable coverage for children of Veterans is available up to the age of 22. Also, after the age of 19, dependents must provide proof that they are students.

Please call us at 1-888-310-1681 TDD 888-638-4863 from 8:00am EST to 11:00pm EST.

If you are a Veteran:

• You must apply with the VA to be eligible for the VA health care benefits. Please visit www.va.gov/healthbenefits for more information.
• If you just enrolled with the VA for health care benefits, it could take up to 10 days to receive your eligibility information.
• If you are eligible, you may enroll yourself and up to 9 dependents online.
• If you have more than 9 dependents, please call 1-888-310-1681 to enroll.

If you are a CHAMPVA Dependent:

• You must apply with the VA to be eligible for the VA health care benefits. Please visit www.va.gov/healthbenefits for more information.
• If you just enrolled with the VA for health care benefits, it could take up to 10 days to receive your eligibility information.
• You must be at least 18 years or older to self-enroll. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must complete the enrollment process for you.
• Please note that unless they meet certain disability requirements, CHAMPVA dependents are eligible for coverage up to the age of 19 or up to the age of 23 if a full-time student.

If you are a non-CHAMPVA Dependent:

• While non-CHAMPVA dependents are not eligible for the MetLife VADIP, there is a comparable plan you may be able to enroll in. However, you must enroll along with an eligible Veteran.
• If the eligible Veteran has already completed enrollment, he or she must contact us at the number below to add you to his or her plan.
• Please note that unless they meet certain disability requirements, comparable coverage for children of Veterans is available up to the age of 22. Also, after the age of 19, dependents must provide proof that they are students.

If you are a non-dependent caregivers/family members:

• If you would like to enroll a Veteran or a dependent, you may register with your information. After registration, you will be asked to provide the beneficiary's information to confirm eligibility.

Please note that once you complete the enrollment process online, to cancel or make changes to coverage you must contact us at the information below.

Contact MetLife VADIP:
1-888-310-1681
TDD: 888-638-4863
Monday - Friday 8am-11pm EST

A child loses eligible status when they turn 18, unless enrolled in an accredited school as a full-time student.

To establish student status, and retain CHAMPVA eligibility, an unmarried child between the ages of 18 and 23 must attend school full time. Schools include, but are not limited to, high school, vocational/technical schools, and undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate levels of study. The student can remain eligible for CHAMPVA until the date of graduation or until his or her 23rd birthday, whichever comes first.

CHAMPVA will send a letter to the student 90 days prior to his or her 18th birthday that provides notification of the potential change in CHAMPVA eligibility. This letter will also outline the steps necessary to extend CHAMPVA eligibility:

To avoid an interruption of CHAMPVA benefits for the summer break between high school and the first term of the continuing education program, the student must send us proof of intent to continue his or her education (e.g., a letter of acceptance from the educational institution). Once we receive that letter, we will cover the break between high school and the start of the first term of the continuing full-time education program.

Within one month after the first term begins, the student must submit a school certification verifying full-time enrollment. If CHAMPVA does not receive verification, benefits will be terminated, and any payments made by CHAMPVA after the student turned 18 will be subject to recoupment. The certification letter should be on school letterhead and include:

• Student’s full name,
• Student’s Social Security number,
• Exact beginning date and ending date of school term (month, date, year),
• Projected graduation date (month, year),
• Number of semester hours or equivalent certification of full-time status and
• Title and signature of a school official. 

Dependents of Veterans, except those eligible under CHAMPVA, are not authorized to enroll in VADIP. Dependents may be eligible for separate coverage offered by MetLife that is not affiliated with VADIP or endorsed by the VA. Contact our Customer Service Representative for additional information.

Premium payments can be made either via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), where the money is drawn directly from your account, or you can receive paper bills, where payments need to be sent via check.

To request premium/billing changes please call MetLife at 1-888-310-1681 Monday - Friday 8am-11pm EST.