Falls Church, VA, December 1, 2020 - The Federal Benefits Open Season ends on Dec. 14. If you’re eligible for dental or vision coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), don’t miss your chance to enroll in or change your FEDVIP dental and/or vision plan. Not sure where to start? At BENEFEDS, you can check your eligibility, explore plans, enroll in a plan, and more.
“Many TRICARE beneficiaries qualify for FEDVIP coverage, including most active duty family members, retirees, and retiree family members,” said Mark Ellis, chief of the Policy and Programs Section of the TRICARE Health Plan at the Defense Health Agency. “We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity for comprehensive vision and dental coverage.”
This year, you can choose from 12 dental and 5 vision carriers. There are plans that offer nationwide and international coverage. And many FEDVIP carriers now offer wellness-focused services and benefits for pregnancy, children, and people with chronic conditions (for example, diabetes). The new updates offer more plan choices and flexibility. This will help you pick the right coverage for you and your family.
If you’re currently enrolled in a plan and don’t want to make a change, you don’t have to do anything. Although your current FEDVIP plan will continue next year, you should still check to make sure you understand any changes to your plan and plan costs for next year.
Review and Compare Plans and Rates
On the BENEFEDS website, you can compare FEDVIP plans to help you select the right dental and/or vision coverage for you and your family. The comparison tool allows you to compare 2021 plans and rates (premiums and cost-shares) based on where you live. You can compare up to three plans side-by-side.
By clicking on “View details,” you can also review deductibles, premiums, and plan brochures. This information can help you make your final enrollment decision. Many FEDVIP carriers allow you to choose your coverage level (high or standard option). Choosing a high option plan typically reduces your out-of-pocket costs, but costs more each month. Choosing a standard option plan reduces your monthly premium, but you may spend more for services you get.
Review Eligibility
TRICARE beneficiaries who may qualify for FEDVIP dental coverage include:
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Retired service members and their family members
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Retired National Guard and Reserve members and their family members
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Medal of Honor recipients and their immediate family members
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Certain survivors
Those who may qualify for FEDVIP vision coverage include:
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Active duty family members
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National Guard and Reserve members and their family members
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Retired service members and their eligible family members
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TRICARE For Life beneficiaries
If you aren’t sure if you can enroll in FEDVIP dental, vision, or both, check your eligibility on the BENEFEDS website. To enroll in a FEDVIP vision plan, you must be enrolled in a TRICARE health plan or have TRICARE For Life coverage. To find a TRICARE plan, you can use the TRICARE Plan Finder or learn about plans by downloading the TRICARE Plans Overview.
Outside of open season, you can only enroll in a FEDVIP plan if you experience a FEDVIP qualifying life event. Learn more about this year’s Federal Benefits Open Season, compare plans, and check out what’s new. If you want to take action, do so before open season ends on Dec. 14.