TRICARE Dental Anesthesia, Institutional Services Covered for Patients with Special Needs

TRICARE implemented coverage for medically necessary institutional and general anesthesia services for dental treatment for beneficiaries with developmental, mental or physical disabilities, and children age 5 or under.

The coverage is retroactive back to October 17, 2006. TRICARE encourages beneficiaries who received these services since October 17, 2006, to call 1-888-TRIWEST (888-874-9378) for assistance with reimbursement.

Dental anesthesia services require prior authorization through TriWest Healthcare Alliance.

The change in statute does not provide coverage for the actual dental care services. Coverage for dental care services available through the TRICARE Dental Program and the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program is not administered by TriWest.