4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Keeping FEDVIP Coverage in Retirement

Missy E
November 14, 2025

Key Takeaways:

FEDVIP offers dental and vision coverage to federal retirees, but costs and benefits change after retirement, so it’s important to review your options carefully.
Understanding your healthcare needs, financial situation, and alternative coverage choices can help you decide if keeping FEDVIP in retirement is the right move.

Will FEDVIP Still Meet Your Healthcare Needs in Retirement?

As a federal employee, you may have relied on the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) for years. But as retirement approaches, you need to ask yourself whether keeping FEDVIP is the best choice for your new phase of life. Since your healthcare needs and financial situation are likely to change, evaluating your options now can save you from unexpected costs and coverage gaps down the road.

Unlike your FEHB coverage, which you can keep into retirement as long as you meet eligibility requirements, FEDVIP remains separate, meaning you must actively decide whether to continue enrollment. Many retirees assume it’s an automatic choice to stay enrolled, but depending on your needs, there may be better alternatives or ways to save money. Let’s go over four key questions to help you make the best choice.

1. How Much Will FEDVIP Cost You in Retirement?

FEDVIP premiums don’t receive the same government contribution as your FEHB plan, meaning you’ll be paying the full cost out of pocket. While active employees share costs with the government, retirees must cover the entire premium themselves. This alone can make a significant difference in your monthly expenses, especially if you’re living on a fixed income.

Additionally, premiums tend to increase over time. While you might be comfortable with current costs, keep in mind that rates have historically risen each year. Be sure to check how much you’ll be expected to pay in 2025 and beyond. Rising healthcare costs can quickly impact your financial stability, making it essential to plan for premium hikes when budgeting for retirement.

Beyond premiums, you should also consider out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. FEDVIP plans vary widely in cost structure, and if you anticipate needing extensive dental or vision care, it’s essential to compare these expenses with alternative coverage options.

2. Are You Eligible for Alternative Dental and Vision Coverage?

Before committing to FEDVIP, check whether you have access to other dental and vision benefits. Several factors can influence your choices:

Medicare and FEDVIP

Medicare does not cover routine dental and vision care, but some Medicare Advantage plans do. If you are considering enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental and vision benefits, compare those benefits with FEDVIP to see which offers better coverage for your needs. However, keep in mind that Medicare Advantage plans vary widely, so be sure to read the details carefully.

Some standalone Medicare plans also offer dental and vision riders that may provide more cost-effective coverage. Reviewing these options can help you determine whether you truly need FEDVIP or if you can secure similar benefits elsewhere at a lower cost.

Spouse’s Employer Coverage

If your spouse is still working, you may be eligible for dental and vision coverage through their employer’s plan. Compare costs and benefits to determine whether it makes sense to enroll in their coverage instead of keeping FEDVIP. Employer-sponsored plans often have lower premiums than FEDVIP, making them a more affordable alternative.

Veterans’ Benefits

If you qualify for VA benefits, you may be eligible for dental care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Check with the VA to see what services you qualify for and whether they meet your needs. VA dental benefits are often more limited than private plans, but they may be sufficient depending on your oral health needs.

3. How Often Do You Use Dental and Vision Services?

Your personal healthcare needs should play a major role in your decision. Some retirees need frequent dental procedures and vision care, while others require only occasional checkups.

Dental Needs

Do you have existing dental issues that require regular treatment?
Are you at risk for conditions such as gum disease or needing crowns, implants, or dentures?
Does your dentist accept FEDVIP, or will you need to change providers?
How much do you typically spend on dental care each year? Does the coverage justify the cost?

Vision Needs

Do you wear prescription glasses or contact lenses that require regular updates?
Are you at risk for conditions like cataracts or macular degeneration that require specialist care?
Does your eye care provider accept FEDVIP coverage?
Would a standalone vision plan or discount program be a better option?

If you rarely visit the dentist or eye doctor, the costs of FEDVIP might outweigh the benefits. On the other hand, if you require frequent care, the coverage could be well worth the expense. Evaluating your past usage can provide a clearer picture of whether maintaining coverage makes financial sense.

4. What Happens If You Cancel FEDVIP?

One of the most important things to understand is that FEDVIP does not have the same re-enrollment rules as FEHB. If you cancel FEDVIP in retirement, you can only enroll again during Open Season. This means if you drop coverage and later decide you need it, you might have to wait months before you can re-enroll.

Open Season Considerations

FEDVIP Open Season runs from mid-November to mid-December each year. If you cancel your plan and realize you need coverage later, you won’t be able to get it back until the next Open Season, with coverage starting in January of the following year. This delay could leave you without coverage when you need it most.

What If You Need Major Dental Work?

If you develop dental issues after canceling FEDVIP, you’ll be responsible for paying full costs out of pocket until you can enroll again. Major dental procedures can be costly, so you should consider whether the risk of losing coverage is worth the potential savings.

Vision Care After Cancellation

While eyeglasses and contact lenses are predictable expenses, eye health problems can be costly without insurance. If you experience sudden vision changes or need surgery, having coverage in place can make a big difference in out-of-pocket expenses.

Some retirees opt for discount plans instead of insurance, which can reduce costs without the high premiums associated with traditional coverage. These programs may not provide full coverage but can still lower expenses for routine exams, glasses, and contacts.

Making the Right Decision for Your Retirement

Choosing whether to keep FEDVIP in retirement is a highly personal decision. Your healthcare needs, financial situation, and access to alternative coverage all play a role in determining whether keeping your plan is the right move. By considering costs, eligibility for other coverage, usage patterns, and the consequences of canceling, you can make an informed choice that supports your health and financial security in retirement.

If you’re unsure about your options, speaking with a licensed agent listed on this website can help you compare plans and make the best decision for your needs.