The Aspen Group (TAG) has announced several initiatives aimed at improving access to dental care for veterans, including waived enrollment fees for a dental savings plan, expanded benefits through the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and free dental services at participating practices nationwide. The initiatives are part of TAG’s five-year, $100 million commitment to expanding access to care for underserved populations.
Throughout November, veterans can enroll in the Aspen Dental Savings Plan at no cost for the first year, with the standard $49 annual enrollment fee waived. Subsequent annual renewals are available for $29. According to the company, plan members may save more than 25% on select dental services, on average, and receive free examinations and radiographs, subject to plan terms and conditions. The plan has no waiting periods, annual maximums, or exclusions based on age or preexisting conditions.
"Today's announcements double down on a commitment we've made from day one: breaking down barriers and making care more accessible and affordable," said Bob Fontana, Founder, Chairman and CEO of The Aspen Group. "We're putting the reach of Aspen Dental and the strength of our partnerships to work to give veterans more places to get care, more help with the cost and more opportunities to get the treatment they need."
Through its relationship with the VFW, Aspen Dental also offers VFW members and eligible family members enrollment in the savings plan at a discounted annual rate of $29. VFW members received early access to the November enrollment offer, along with priority scheduling for Aspen Dental’s annual Day of Service on November 7.
"Our members served this country, and it's our job to make sure they have access to the care they earned and deserve," said Dan West, VFW adjutant general of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. "Thanks to TAG, VFW members and their families get a deeper discount and first access to scheduling, right alongside the broader access Aspen Dental is providing veterans everywhere."
During the November 7 Day of Service, more than 550 Aspen Dental offices nationwide are scheduled to provide free dental care to veterans. ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers will participate in the event for the first time, committing up to $1 million in full-arch dental implant treatment for veterans referred for care.
Since the program began in 2014, Aspen Dental reports that its annual Day of Service has provided dental treatment to more than 30,000 veterans, representing more than $28 million in donated dental services.
TAG also marked the announcement at its Chicago headquarters, where employees joined VFW representatives to assemble oral hygiene kits for veterans receiving treatment during the Day of Service.
Additional information about the veterans’ dental care initiatives and eligibility requirements is available at Aspen Dental’s VFW partnership webpage.
