Demystifying TRICARE and the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)

As a TRICARE beneficiary, you may have heard about the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) and wondered how it relates to your existing TRICARE coverage. While both programs are designed to provide healthcare benefits, they are separate entities with distinct eligibility requirements and enrollment processes. In this article, we’ll clarify the differences between TRICARE and FEDVIP, helping you make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.

Understanding TRICARE

TRICARE is a comprehensive healthcare program designed specifically for active duty and retired members of the uniformed services, their families, and survivors. It provides medical, dental, and pharmacy benefits through various health plans, including TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, and TRICARE For Life. TRICARE is managed by the Defense Health Agency (DHA), a component of the Military Health System.

What is FEDVIP?

FEDVIP is a separate program offered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) that provides dental and vision insurance coverage to eligible federal employees, retirees, and their families. While FEDVIP is not part of TRICARE, certain TRICARE beneficiaries may qualify for enrollment in FEDVIP dental and vision plans.

Who is Eligible for FEDVIP?

Eligibility for FEDVIP dental and vision coverage differs:

Dental Coverage Eligibility:

• Retired service members and their eligible family members
• Retired National Guard and Reserve members and their eligible family members
• TRICARE For Life beneficiaries

Vision Coverage Eligibility:

• Active duty family members
• National Guard and Reserve members and their eligible family members
• Retired service members and their eligible family members
• TRICARE For Life beneficiaries

It’s important to note that FEDVIP eligibility is determined by the OPM, and not all TRICARE beneficiaries may qualify for both dental and vision coverage under FEDVIP.

Enrolling in FEDVIP

If you are eligible for FEDVIP, you can enroll or make changes to your coverage during the annual Federal Benefits Open Season, typically held from mid-November to mid-December each year. Enrollment is not automatic, even if you are a TRICARE beneficiary.

To enroll or make changes, visit the BENEFEDS website (www.benefeds.com) during the Open Season or after experiencing a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). If you are already enrolled in FEDVIP and wish to continue your coverage without changes, no action is required.

Key Differences Between TRICARE and FEDVIP

While TRICARE and FEDVIP share the goal of providing healthcare benefits, they differ in several ways:

• Eligibility: TRICARE eligibility is based on military service, while FEDVIP eligibility is determined by the OPM and may include certain TRICARE beneficiaries.
• Coverage: TRICARE provides comprehensive medical, dental, and pharmacy benefits, while FEDVIP focuses solely on dental and vision coverage.
• Enrollment: TRICARE enrollment is typically automatic based on your military status, while FEDVIP requires active enrollment during the Open Season or after a QLE.
• Administration: TRICARE is managed by the DHA, while FEDVIP is administered by the OPM and contracted insurance carriers.

Conclusion

TRICARE and FEDVIP are separate programs with distinct eligibility requirements, coverage offerings, and enrollment processes. While FEDVIP is not a part of TRICARE, certain TRICARE beneficiaries may qualify for FEDVIP dental and vision plans. It’s essential to understand the differences and determine your eligibility for each program to make informed decisions about your healthcare needs. By staying informed and taking advantage of available resources, you can ensure comprehensive coverage for yourself and your family.