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U.S. Department of Defense Awards World’s Largest Dental Plan to United Concordia
Jan 29, 2016

Update: The start date of United Concordia's contract with the Department of Defense to administer the TRICARE Dental Program will take effect on May 1, 2017.

Harrisburg, Pa. (January 29, 2016) – United Concordia Companies, Inc. today announced that it has been awarded a five-year contract at a total award amount of $2.9 billion by the Department of Defense (DoD) to administer the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP). The TDP provides dental benefits for Uniformed Service active duty family members and National Guard and Reserve members and their families.

The new contract takes effect on Feb. 1, 2017, and is the world’s largest voluntary dental plan. The TDP offers comprehensive coverage to about 1.8 million individuals currently enrolled in the TDP.

“The DoD chose to award the TDP contract to United Concordia based on our employees’ ability to continually provide exceptional customer service, maintain a broad stable network of dentists for TDP beneficiaries, and consistently implement innovative and industry-leading benchmark processes,” said F.G. “Chip” Merkel, president, CEO and chairman of the board.

United Concordia previously administered TDP benefits from 1996 to 2012 and currently administers the TRICARE Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP) for active duty service members.  Surveys and feedback have consistently demonstrated that both beneficiaries and the Government are satisfied with our network, services and program administration.

“As administrator of the TDP, we are entrusted to care for military members and their families. It is our honor and duty to take every possible step to improve their dental health,” said Merkel. “We are very proud to be administrators of this important contract.”

The TDP, like civilian group dental plans, covers diagnostic, preventive and restorative services. It also includes comprehensive dental specialty care coverage. Beneficiaries may find more information on http://www.tricare.mil/.

 

For further information: Beth Rutherford United Concordia 717-260-7659 beth.rutherford@ucci.com Leilyn Perri Highmark Inc. 717-302-4243 leilyn.perri@highmark.com