As an active duty member, there were many things I didn’t have to worry about. Once I retired though, I had to quickly figure out what my family’s needs were, since my TRICARE coverage was changing. Luckily, once you educate yourself, you’ll find that it’s quite simple to get everything sorted out. 

FEDVIP is the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program. It’s a voluntary program that provides supplemental dental and vision benefits to eligible federal employees, retirees, and their families.

Retirees should be prepared to enroll in a plan during a special enrollment window. Access is available beginning 31 days prior to the effective retirement date and is accessible through the 60th day after their retirement date. This window ensures the member does not have to wait for the open enrollment period, and there is no lapse in coverage.

BENEFEDS is the online benefit management portal. This site allows users to research and enroll in a plan that suits their needs. The website covers the different options for dental and vision plans and lists the specific coverage for each plan (High/Standard). Enrollment can be completed online, or by calling the customer service number listed on the website. During the initial enrollment period, members should be prepared to pay for 3 months of coverage up front. After the three month period, the cost of insurance will automatically be deducted from the retirees monthly pay, unless you choose a direct pay option.

Like every major life decision, enrollment and plan selection should be researched thoroughly to ensure your family’s needs are covered. The cost of coverage will vary depending on which plan you select. Once a plan is chosen, you will not be able to make changes until the next open enrollment period, unless you experience a qualifying life event (QLE) outside of open enrollment. Hopefully, this information is helpful in navigating your journey.

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