The open season for enrollment in the new dental and vision coverage for TRICARE beneficiaries - FEDVIP - is just around the corner (Nov. 12 to Dec. 10), and beneficiaries now can compare plan costs as they consider their coverage options.
FEDVIP will replace the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP), managed by Delta Dental, which sunsets Dec. 31, 2018. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has released detailed information on the available plans; click here for the full breakdown.
The average dental gross premium increased 1.2 percent from last year, OPM said. Average rates are:
- Self: $17.41 biweekly; $37.73 monthly.
- Self Plus One: $34.14 biweekly; $73.97 monthly.
- Self and Family: $49.23 biweekly; $106.68 monthly.
[Related: The Outlook for TRICARE Fees in 2019]
The average vision gross premium dropped 2.8 percent from last year, per OPM. Average rates are:
- Self: $5.10 biweekly, $11.05 monthly.
- Self Plus One: $10.23 biweekly; $22.16 monthly.
- Self and Family: $14.75 biweekly; $31.96 monthly.
MOAA will be participating in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) rollout of the program this week. The rate announcement came earlier than expected, which means TRICARE beneficiaries will have more time to review plans and make comparisons so they are ready to enroll during open season.
[Not a MOAA Member? Click here to join.]
Open Season Rollout
The 2019 FEDVIP Plan Comparison Tool will be available Oct. 1 at TRICARE.benefeds.com. OPM has indicated BENEFEDS will mail comparison printouts to callers upon request. Brochures for 2019 plans are available online; beneficiaries also can request hard copies by contacting individual FEDVIP carriers directly. Premium and Life members of MOAA will find an in-depth article in the November issue of Military Officer describing the 10 dental and four vision plans to be offered.
Plan Choice
TRICARE beneficiaries may find they have access to a more robust dental benefit than before, as well as the option of vision plans - a completely new offering. FEDVIP offers a variety of plans, with different levels of cost and coverage, including High and Standard options. There are no plan exclusions and no waiting periods, except for orthodontia. In-progress treatment will be honored, up to FEDVIP carrier limits. The biggest change for beneficiaries will be that families can choose a dental and/or vision plan that meets their unique needs.
Choosing a Carrier and Plan Option
There are a few general steps to keep in mind as you evaluate and do your due diligence with plan selection:
Step 1: Ask your dentist if they participate in a FEDVIP plan.
Step 2: Review your family composition and situation for the upcoming benefit year. Consider discussing your dental treatment plans with your dentist.
Step 3: Use the Plan Comparison Tool, comparison information in the November issue of Military Officer, or plan brochures to compare benefits and coverage versus premium cost.
During Open Season
Once TRICARE Open Season begins, enrollment can only occur online or through the call center. We recommend beneficiaries go to TRICARE.benefeds.com and complete the following steps:
- Answer a few simple questions about your eligibility.
- Provide information on yourself and your family and create an account.
- Select a plan that meets your family's needs.
- Review your selection and enroll in the plan.
- Receive enrollment verification.
FEDVIP Premium Payments
As part of the FEDVIP enrollment process, BENEFEDS will set up your preferred method of payment or charge you automatically through DFAS. Payments are retrospective, not prospective. BENEFEDS will collect your first FEDVIP payment Feb. 1, 2019. Delta Dental will terminate your allotment for your 2018 TRICARE Retiree Dental Plan (TRDP) coverage following the December premium collection Nov. 30, with no action required on your part.
Lastly, remember to check the TRICARE Benefeds website for more information, and look for more FEDVIP plan details in the November issue of Military Officer.
