The Federal and Dental Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) enables federal workers to buy dental and vision insurance on a group basis at highly affordable premiums. Considering the ever-rising cost of dental and vision care, carrying FEDVIP in retirement makes sense.
Choose From Nationwide & Regional Plans
Eligible retirees can choose from six nationwide and four regional dental plans while vision insurance offers a choice of four nationwide plans. Enrollment takes place during the annual Federal Benefits Open Season in November and December or when you experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE).
You can choose from insurance carriers you know and trust including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Humana and MetLife. Before you decide, compare different plans using this convenient FEDVIP tool.
“All federal retirees receiving a full (unreduced) annuity are eligible for FEDVIP.”
Requirements For Continuing FEDVIP In Retirement
There’s no five-year requirement for continuing FEDVIP in retirement however you must be eligible for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB). Keep in mind, you don’t have to be enrolled in FEHB; you just have to meet FEHB’s established eligibility requirements to be eligible for FEDVIP.
All federal retirees receiving a full (unreduced) annuity are eligible for FEDVIP. The only exception is if you retire on an MRA+10 retirement and postpone your annuity. Once you start receiving your annuity at a later date, you can enroll in FEDVIP within 60 days.
Top FEDVIP FAQs
Will my FEDVIP coverage and premium change when I retire? No. You’ll receive the same FEDVIP coverage and pay the same premium as active federal workers in the same plan. The only difference is that premiums are not paid with pre-tax earnings. Once you retire, direct post-tax premiums are deducted from your monthly pension.
Can I Change My FEDVIP Enrollment At Retirement? No. You can’t change your FEDVIP enrollment when you separate from service because retirement is not considered a QLE. To change your plan, you’ll have to wait until the annual Open Season.
Can My Family Members Continue FEDVIP When I Die? Yes they can. If you’re enrolled in Self Plus One or Self and Family at the time of your death, and at least one family member is entitled to a survivor annuity, family members can continue FEDVIP coverage.
How Does FEDVIP Work With FEHB In Retirement? FEDVIP carriers are considered secondary insurance and coordinate with FEHB plans that provide primary vision and dental benefits. However, you don’t have to choose FEDVIP coverage offered by the same carrier as your FEHB plan.
For more information, visit the www.benefeds.com website and download the OPM’s Think FEDVIP fact sheet.
