Yes, I am using an acronym once again to title the article. Had I been thinking ahead, I could have made it a theme and titled every 2024 article with random letters. Without further delay, this week’s article is about the Veterans Affairs Dental Insurance Program or VADIP. Taken from the VA.gov website.
VADIP offers discounted private dental insurance for Veterans and family members who meet certain requirements. You may be eligible for VADIP if (one of these is true):
1. you’re a Veteran who’s enrolled in VA health care, or…
2. you’re the current or surviving spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member, and you’re enrolled in the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA (CHAMPVA).
While some Veterans enrolled in VA health care are eligible for free dental care from our providers, many are not. Others may be eligible for free care for some, but not all, of their dental needs. If you’re not eligible for free VA dental care, VADIP can help you buy private dental insurance at a reduced cost. If you’re eligible for free VA care for some of your dental needs, you can buy a VADIP plan if you want added dental insurance. Signing up for VADIP won’t affect your ability to get free VA dental care.
VADIP plans are provided through MetLife and Delta Dental. You must select one of these private (non-VA) insurance providers and then enroll in a plan (at your own expense). You must contact the providers directly, as neither VA nor your CVSO can answer questions about insurance plans, cost, or enrollment. You may get information or enroll by calling or going online:
- Delta Dental 855-460-3302 or
- MetLife 888-310-1681
Operational Announcement: Lake County Veterans Services will be relocating from the basement to the first floor (main level) of the Service Center (616 3rd Avenue, Two Harbors) in the coming week. Signage will be posted throughout the building to direct you to the new offices. Effective February 12, 2024, appointments will be required to meet with the CVSOs. Walk-ins will be directed to contact the office to make an appointment. Logistics and operational tempo necessitate the change and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall are the Lake County Veterans Service Officers and can be reached at 218.834.8326 or cvso@co.lake.mn.us
Karen Christianson is the Cook County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@co.cook.mn.us
