Attention military retirees and active duty with eye care needs! This is for you!
Nov 12 – Dec 10
Today Begins Tricare Open Season!
Does this Postcard look familiar? Did you throw it out or use it to wrap your used bubble gum? Never Fear!
Whatever happened to it, READ ON!
Eligibility for the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), offered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), has expanded to include certain retired uniformed service members and active duty family members. The first opportunity for you to enroll is this year’s Federal Benefits Open Season, which runs from November 12 through December 10, 2018, with coverage effective January 1, 2019.
Don’t forget! The TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) ends on December 31, 2018. If you were enrolled in TRDP, you will not be automatically enrolled in a FEDVIP dental plan.
You must enroll during open season if you’d like FEDVIP dental and/or vision coverage in 2019.
It’s very simple to go online to compare plans and enroll. https://tricare.benefeds.com/.
Once you select retiree or active duty whichever is applicable to you, then the system helps you select policies available in your region. You can compare the plans and determine which best suits your budget, and the dental needs for you and your family.
You can also look up the dentists who accept the plans of insurance here in our area. Since we are such a vibrant military community, most dentists will accept insurance.
*side note: If you’re new to the area, we have lots of great local info for you! Learn more about your community by clicking on the community link: Hampstead. Sneads Ferry. Topsail Beach.
Still confused? Call your dental office and ask the office manager for some advice that pertains to your particular situation. If you’re moving, you will have to change all of your primary care physicians as well. Read here for info on making your next PCS smooth.
PS – Tricare does not cover pet insurance, even if you love your pet more than your Aunt Sally and consider them to be 100% a part of the family. Don’t worry. This place has you covered though: Holly Ridge Veterinarian Hospital.
By: Marianne Carter