FEDVIP 

The Federal Employees Dental and Vision Program (FEDVIP) offers supplemental dental and vision coverage to eligible Federal and postal employees, retirees, and their family members. FEDVIP is a voluntary enrollee-pay-all program administered by BENEFEDS on behalf of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Unlike most private insurance, claims under FEDVIP are submitted directly to the carrier rather than being paid through the plan member’s FSA account. This can save time and hassle for both the plan member and their dentist.

FEDVIP plans are offered by 12 dental and five vision carriers that have both standard and high options. Enrollment occurs during Open Season and during a qualifying life event (QLE). Premiums are deducted on an allotment basis from Federal pre-tax paychecks or post-tax for military retirees and their families who choose to enroll in FEDVIP. Enrollees may change their plan during the annual Open Season. The FEDVIP program is available to all TRICARE-eligible retirees and their active-duty family members.

FEDVIP Dental

FEDVIP Dental benefits include routine examinations, preventive services like cleanings and X-rays, and restorative procedures such as fillings, prefabricated stainless steel crowns, and tooth replacements. Most FEDVIP plans also cover orthodontia. FEDVIP vision plans offer eye exams, lens and frame coverage, and LASIK surgery discounts. Many FEDVIP carriers offer additional options such as contact lens solutions, anti-reflective and tinted lenses, and ultraviolet protection.

While FEDVIP includes an insurance element, enrollees are better served, considering it as a prepaid dental and vision plan. An employer can provide a similar benefit for employees by setting up a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and earmarking money to pay anticipated expenses.

Annuitants can sign up for a FEDVIP or FSA during the open season, that normally runs from mid-November to mid-December each year. They can also change or cancel their coverage at any time if they have a life event that allows them to do so. MOAA recommends that anyone planning to enroll or renew a FEDVIP plan carefully review their options and compare costs using the BENEFEDS comparison tool.

FEDVIP Visual

FEDVIP offers expanded vision benefits to supplement the limited coverage offered under the FEHB program. Generally, employees and annuitants pay premiums for this benefit via pretax payroll deductions. Enrollment occurs during annual Federal Open Season in November and December. FEDVIP vision plans offer options like routine eye exams with no copay, reduced fees for contact lens fittings, higher allowances for frames and lenses (including featured frame brands), as well as discounts on laser eye surgery. Different plans vary by carrier and option, so check out the plan brochures below for more information.

Note: VSP PremierMax is only available to participants enrolled in a FEDVIP Gold or Platinum plan.