This content is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental. 

After years of honorable service, retirement gives you the freedom to follow your passions. Develop new hobbies, travel the world, further your education, start a second career—the choice is yours.

Transitioning from the uniformed services is an exciting chapter in your life that’s full of changes, such as your dental coverage. When you’re in the uniformed services, your dental care is covered under TRICARE. When you retire, you’ll need to enroll in your own dental plan. Choosing the right dental plan isn’t just important for having a healthy smile, it helps you live a healthier life. For example, inflammation from gum disease has been associated with some cardiovascular conditions, including heart disease and stroke.*

Take advantage of your TRICARE benefits while you’re still in active duty. Get any dental care you may need, including X-rays, cleanings and fillings. Don’t forget to make copies of your dental records so they are easily accessible.

The Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) is a supplemental dental and vision benefits program offered by the Office of Personnel Management and available to federal employees and retirees. In 2016, Congress expanded eligibility for FEDVIP in order to provide more extensive dental and vision benefits to TRICARE beneficiaries.

It’s a good idea to think about what you need from your dental plan before you look at your coverage options. Does the plan include the benefits you think you may need? Do you want to see certain providers or are you open to seeing new providers? How important is it to know that you’re covered if you travel overseas? How much are you willing to pay for coverage?

As a plan that’s part of FEDVIP, Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental® offers comprehensive dental coverage for retired uniformed service members and their families.

• We offer fully-covered preventive care when you visit in-network dentists, including three dental cleanings a year.
• There’s no deductible for in-network services, like fillings and root canals.
• Access a large nationwide network with nearly half a million provider access points.
• You can use all your benefits, including orthodontic benefits, right away—there’s no waiting period.
• With High Option, you get an unlimited annual benefit, which means there’s no limit to the amount we cover for the year.
• Classes A, B and C services are covered at 100% for children age 13 and under when visiting an in-network provider.
• Orthodontic services, including braces, retainers and aligners, are covered for children and adults.
• Our network extends worldwide at an in-network level, meaning your coverage goes where you do.
• Members get access to exclusive health and wellness discounts with Blue365®.

We’re proud to support our uniformed service retirees and their families with quality dental coverage. We’re here to support you every step of the way through your transition from the uniformed services. Visit bcbsfepdental.com to learn more about how BCBS FEP Dental can support your family’s oral health.

* Source: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/gum-disease-health