One of my New Year’s resolutions is to get and stay more organized this year. Part of that includes managing our household budget, and keeping up with changes to costs of things like our cable bill, cell phone charges and health insurance so we’re not caught off guard by.

If you are a military family enrolled in the MetLife TRICARE Dental Plan (TDP), it’s important for you to take a few minutes to review and familiarize yourself with changes to 2015 premiums that go into effect on February 1st. Even if this doesn’t affect you directly, please be sure to share this with any military moms and dads you know…military family life can be hectic, and they will appreciate the update.

Premiums vary depending on the number of members enrolled and the sponsor’s status (Active Duty, Selected Reserve, Individual Ready Reserve). See the chart below for the MetLife TRICARE 2015 Dental Premiums:

MetLife TRICARE premiums information: http://tricare.mil/tdp-premiums

In addition to reviewing costs, it’s also equally important to make sure you are aware of all the benefits of your health and dental plans. The MetLife TRICARE Facebook Page is a great place to start. Several times a week, they post fun facts and info in the form of trivia questions. I learn something new each time I visit. For example, with TDP, family members are covered regardless of a sponsor’s change in status to and from active duty. How great is that!?!

Highlights and benefits also include:

• Access to one of the largest civilian dental networks – over 250,000 dental locations
• No annual deductible
• Cost savings when a MetLife TDP participating dentist is used
• 2 dental cleanings and exams in a 12-month period + additional 3rd cleaning for pregnant women
• Worldwide dental coverage (CONUS and OCONUS)

Not yet enrolled? Enrolling is a 12-month commitment, but after completing the 12-month minimum enrollment period, you can continue on a month-to-month basis. To learn about dental plan benefits for military families, or to enroll, visit the MetLife TRICARE website.

It’s hard to believe that before the end of this week, it will be 2015 already…but it’s true! And the end of the year is the perfect time to do a little bit of preparation and planning for a healthy and happy New Year. I like to take advantage of this time to do a little bit of cleaning and organizing: out with the old and in with the new! I got a super CUTE new 2015 calendar and am already filling it with all our appointments and other important plans. That way when we ring in the new year and I make my annual resolution to ‘be more organized’ I’ll already be a step ahead!

The end of the year is a great time to review your dental benefits, schedule appointments, and plan your family budget for 2015. The TRICARE Dental Program is ideal for military families because it is a convenient and cost effective way for families to have continuous dental coverage despite changes in life events, geographical locations, or military status. The MetLife TRICARE Dental Program provides low cost monthly premiums and offers a cost share for a variety of dental procedures. I suggest you bookmark the TRICARE Dental Care Premiums page so you’ll have fast access to costs and coverage whenever you need it.

In addition to providing low cost coverage, the MetLife TRICARE Dental Program is also dedicated to educating members about dental health and important dental care practices. Connecting with TRICARE’s Facebook page and signing up for Dental HealthMatters Newsletter are two great ways to stay in the know with TRICARE. You’ll find information about TRICARE Dental benefits, updates and announcements, tips to keep teeth healthy, and more helpful advice throughout the year.

The MetLife TRICARE Dental Program is part of the TRICARE Health Plan for military families. However, you must enroll separately in the TRICARE Dental Program to obtain dental coverage for your family. To learn more and enroll, visit metlife.com/tricare.
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