Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Mid Hudson) is spreading the word that the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs is now offering private dental insurance plans to all veterans and family members who receive health care under the Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA). The comprehensive pilot program, VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP), gives veterans the opportunity to purchase affordable dental insurance through MetLife and Delta Dental.

“Good dental health is vital to every person’s well-being, but people often neglect their teeth until there is a problem because they think they cannot afford it,” said Assemblymember Didi Barrett. “These plans are an opportunity for vets and their families to engage in preventive care as well as treat those problems.”

Veterans can now purchase dental coverage at a reduced cost through VADIP, with coverage beginning Jan. 1. Participation is voluntary and doesn’t affect veterans’ eligibility for other VA dental services and treatments. For more information on VADIP, visit www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vadip or call Delta Dental at 1-855-370-3303 or MetLife Dental at 1-888-310-1681.

VADIP allows participants to select a plan that meets their budget and dental needs. The plans vary, but may include diagnostic, preventative, surgical, emergency and endodontic or restorative treatment. Further, MetLife and Delta Dental are required to accept all CHAMPVA recipients who request participation, noted Barrett.

A member of the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs committee, Assemblymember Barrett has supported numerous pieces of legislation aimed at helping veterans. This past year, she authored legislation to close a loophole in property tax law to ensure that all combat veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan receive the property tax breaks they were promised. Additionally, Assemblymember Barrett supported the creation of veterans’ driver’s licenses, enabling veterans to secure the benefits and discounts they deserve without having to carry around cumbersome paperwork to prove their military status.

“I am spreading the word because I want to make sure our veterans and active-duty service members know about the services and benefits that our available to them – dental or otherwise, Assemblymember Barrett said. “We all need to be sure the men and women who defend our freedom and protect our safety have our support when they return home.”

Veterans who are not enrolled in the CHAMPVA can apply anytime by visiting www.va.gov/healthbenefits/enroll, by calling 1-877-222-VETS (8387) or by visiting their local VA health care facility.