Under New FEDVIP Plan, New Rates for Dental Coverage for Military Retirees

October 18, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″ el_class=”section section1″][vc_column_text]Military retirees who are eligible for new dental and vision coverage will have more options with the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program. The retirees, as well as the active duty families that are eligible, can start researching their options now.

The enrollment period for FEDVIP runs between 12th November and 10th December.

FEDVIP replaces the TRICARE Retire Dental Program what will end on 31st December. The retirees must sign up during the enrollment period so that they are able to enjoy dental and vision coverage from 1st of January 2019. Active duty members, as well as their families, are still eligible for dental coverage under TRICARE but they too could sign up for the new vision coverage.

The Office of Personnel Management for FEDVIP intends to get the information out as soon as possible so that the retirees have ample time to do their research and make a choice. All the relevant information is available on the TRICARE website. People can drop by and compare the rates; there will be a comparison tool that will be made available to help them make a choice easily.

Compared to this year’s rates, the average gross dental premium for next year increases by 1.2%. The rates and options vary among the plans. For example, according to William A. Breskin, the FEP BlueDental rates for 2019 are dropping by 6.8% for the high option and 7.8% for the standard option. Breskin is the senior vice president of government programs for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

Since the TRDP is a “one size fit all” type of program, it makes it hard for comparison with the new plan. MOAA members said that they looked at both the 2018 FEDVIP and the TRDP but couldn’t find the same coverage and prices for comparison prices.

FEDVIP offers a wide range of plans and options with ten companies offering dental options for dental coverage and four companies offering vision coverage.

The Defense Health Agency, military service organizations, and veteran’s service organizations have joined forces to get a word out to military retirees about the new retiree dental plan options. Even though more than half of the retirees have heard about the new changes, some retirees are yet to hear about the changes.

As the retirees evaluate their choices for the new dental plan, it’s advisable that they talk to their current dentist to see whether they accept the FEDVIP plan.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”34596″ img_size=”292×285″ style=”vc_box_shadow”][/vc_column][/vc_row]