Open season begins next week, Nov. 12 to Dec. 10. TRICARE Open Season is for enrollment in a TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select health plan. Federal Benefits Open Season is for vision coverage or retiree dental coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).

If you’re enrolled in a TRICARE health plan and don’t want to make any changes, you don’t have to do anything. If you have TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP), provided by Delta Dental, and want dental coverage in 2019, you will need to choose a FEDVIP dental plan. TRDP ends on Dec. 31, 2018.

Take the time now to learn about eligibility, plan options, and enrollment. Learn more on the Open Season page. If you and your family want to make changes to your TRICARE health benefit, take action during the 2018 open season.

Here are a few frequently asked questions about open season.

Q: Does TRICARE Open Season affect me?

A: TRICARE Open Season affects you if you’re eligible to enroll in a TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select health plan. The TRICARE Open Season doesn’t apply if you’re using:

• TRICARE For Life
• TRICARE Reserve Select
• TRICARE Retired Reserve
• TRICARE Young Adult
• Continued Health Care Benefit Program

Q: What happens if I don’t change health plans during the TRICARE Open Season?

A: If you don’t change health plans during the TRICARE Open Season and remain eligible, you’ll stay in the plan you’re in now.

Q: Will I still get eye exam coverage through TRICARE Prime?

A: TRICARE Prime eye exam coverage isn’t changing. Routine eye exams are covered as needed for active duty service members, once a year for active duty family members, and every two years for all other TRICARE Prime beneficiaries. Diabetic patients with TRICARE Prime coverage get routine eye exams once a year. For more information, visit the TRICARE Eye Exams page.

Vision plans available through FEDVIP are in addition to TRICARE vision coverage. If you’re eligible and choose to enroll, your FEDVIP vision coverage will be your primary vision insurance. TRICARE will pay second after FEDVIP.

Q: Am I required to enroll in both dental and vision plans with FEDVIP?

A: No. FEDVIP dental and vision plans are optional. However, enrollment in a TRICARE health plan is required in order to enroll in a FEDVIP vision plan.

Q: How do I enroll in FEDVIP?

A: Enroll in a FEDVIP plan online through the BENEFEDS enrollment portal.

Q: If I’m currently paying my premium by allotment to Delta Dental through the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program, how do I transfer my allotment?

A: Delta Dental will terminate your allotment for your 2018 TRDP coverage after your December premium is paid. You don’t need to do anything to start an allotment for FEDVIP. When you enroll in a FEDVIP plan, you’ll answer questions about your eligibility, payments, and allotments.

Q: Will I have a waiting period for services like orthodontics?

A: Each FEDVIP dental plan is unique. Some plans may have waiting periods for orthodontics or other specialty services. Some plans offer orthodontic coverage without a 12-month waiting period or age limit. Visit the FEDVIP website for more information.

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