TRICARE and FEDVIP 2027: Costs, Coverage Changes, and Open Season Deadlines

Most military families and retirees assume their health coverage rolls over from year to year without much changing. And in many cases, it does.

But that doesn't mean your costs stay the same.

TRICARE enrollment fees, copays, and deductibles can change annually. FEDVIP dental and vision premiums also change, and the plan that worked for your family in 2026 might not be your best option for 2027.

The good news? You have an opportunity to compare your options before the new year.

Here's what you need to know about TRICARE and FEDVIP Open Season for 2027, including the deadlines, costs, and changes worth reviewing.

TRICARE and FEDVIP 2027: Don't Miss These Dates

First, mark your calendar. TRICARE and FEDVIP have different enrollment deadlines.

That gives you six fewer days to make TRICARE changes.

If you're happy with your current coverage, you generally don't need to re-enroll. Your plan should continue as long as you remain eligible and pay any required fees.

But if you want to switch plans or enroll for the first time, these dates matter.

Outside Open Season, changes generally require a qualifying life event, such as marriage, having a child, or certain changes in military status.

TRICARE 2027: What Will Your Coverage Cost?

TRICARE offers several healthcare options, but two of the most common are TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select.

TRICARE Prime works similarly to an HMO. You generally use an assigned primary care manager and follow referral requirements for certain specialty services.

TRICARE Select offers more provider flexibility, although deductibles and cost-sharing may be higher depending on your circumstances.

Your costs depend on your plan and beneficiary category.

Group A vs. Group B: Why It Matters

TRICARE divides beneficiaries into two groups:

• Group A: The sponsor entered military service before January 1, 2018.
• Group B: The sponsor entered military service on or after January 1, 2018.

This distinction can make a substantial difference in enrollment fees and out-of-pocket costs.

Here are the official 2026 annual enrollment fees for retirees and their families, provided as a comparison baseline:

These are 2026 figures, not confirmed 2027 rates. Special rules apply to certain survivors and medically retired beneficiaries.

Before budgeting for next year, check TRICARE's official cost comparison for updated 2027 enrollment fees, deductibles, copays, and catastrophic caps.

What About Active-Duty Families?

Active-duty service members generally have no out-of-pocket costs under their required TRICARE Prime coverage.

Eligible active-duty family members don't pay annual enrollment fees for TRICARE Prime or Select, although cost-sharing rules differ between plans.

What About TRICARE For Life?

TRICARE For Life generally works with Medicare for eligible military retirees and family members.

There's no separate TRICARE For Life enrollment fee, but most beneficiaries must maintain Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare Part B premiums still apply.

TRICARE For Life doesn't participate in the regular TRICARE Open Season.

FEDVIP 2027: What's Changing With Dental and Vision?

FEDVIP, the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program, provides optional dental and vision coverage to eligible military-connected beneficiaries and federal civilian participants.

Unlike TRICARE medical coverage, FEDVIP is administered through the Office of Personnel Management.

For 2027, OPM lists:

• 11 dental carriers offering 21 plan options
• 5 vision carriers offering 10 plan options

That gives eligible families several choices, but the lowest-premium plan isn't necessarily the least expensive overall.

OPM has released the 2027 FEDVIP premiums, so you can compare actual plan costs now.

Who Qualifies for FEDVIP?

Military eligibility differs between dental and vision coverage.

Active-duty family members generally receive optional dental coverage through the separate TRICARE Dental Program, not FEDVIP.

Eligibility for survivors, Guard and Reserve families, and other beneficiary categories may differ.

One more detail: Military retirees generally pay FEDVIP premiums after taxes. Don't assume the pretax premium treatment available to some federal civilian employees applies to you.

How to Choose the Right FEDVIP Dental Plan

Here's where a little homework can save you money.

Let's say someone in your family expects to need a crown in 2027.

A lower-premium dental plan might look attractive until you compare how much it pays for major restorative work.

Before choosing a plan, check:

• Annual premiums: What will you pay over 12 months?
• Deductibles: How much must you pay before certain benefits apply?
• Major services: What percentage does the plan cover for crowns, bridges, or implants?
• Annual benefit maximums: Is there a limit on how much the insurer will pay?
• Provider networks: Is your preferred dentist included?

For vision coverage, compare exam copays, frame and contact lens allowances, replacement schedules, and participating providers.

A plan with a higher premium may save money if you expect substantial treatment, but not always. Add up the total annual cost before deciding.

Use the BENEFEDS plan comparison tool to review options available in your ZIP code.

How to Make Changes Before Open Season Ends

For TRICARE, visit TRICARE Open Season or use milConnect to review eligible enrollment options.

If you need assistance, contact your regional contractor:

• TRICARE East: Humana Military, 800-444-5445
• TRICARE West: TriWest Healthcare Alliance, 888-874-9378
• TRICARE Overseas: International SOS, with contact information based on your overseas area

For FEDVIP, use BENEFEDS to check eligibility, compare plans, and enroll or make changes.

Remember, changing TRICARE coverage doesn't automatically change your FEDVIP plan. They're separate programs.

Your 2027 Open Season Checklist

Before making a decision, ask yourself five questions:

1. Did my enrollment fee or premium change? Compare your 2026 costs with the published 2027 rates.
2. Are my doctors and dentists still in-network? Provider changes can make an otherwise affordable plan expensive.
3. Will my family need more care next year? Consider planned procedures, prescriptions, and specialist visits.
4. What's my total potential cost? Look beyond premiums to deductibles, copays, and coverage limits.
5. Am I making changes before the correct deadline? TRICARE closes December 8; FEDVIP closes December 14.

The Bottom Line

Your military health benefits are valuable, but that doesn't mean you should put them on autopilot.

A few minutes comparing premiums, provider networks, and expected medical or dental expenses could help you avoid unnecessary costs in 2027.

And with TRICARE and FEDVIP having different enrollment deadlines, it's worth reviewing both now rather than waiting until December.

Start with your current coverage, compare what's changing, and choose the option that makes the most sense for your family's needs and budget.

Sources: TRICARE Open Season | TRICARE Costs | OPM 2027 FEDVIP Premiums | BENEFEDS

Coverage and cost information is subject to change. Verify your beneficiary eligibility, plan documents, and current rates with TRICARE, OPM, or BENEFEDS before making enrollment decisions.