An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News | Sept. 12, 2022

Q&A: What You Need to Know for Federal Benefits Open Season

By TRICARE Communications

The Federal Benefits Open Season starts Nov. 14 and ends Dec. 12, 2022. This open season is for dental and vision coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). FEDVIP is offered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and is separate from TRICARE and TRICARE Open Season activities.
 
Review the Q&A below to see if you’re eligible for FEDVIP and more.
 
Q: Who is eligible for FEDVIP?
A: Eligible persons for FEDVIP includes certain retired service members, active duty family members, and survivors. However, FEDVIP dental and vision coverage are separate. You may not qualify for both.
 
Q: Who is eligible for dental coverage?
A: Those who may qualify for dental coverage include: 
  • Retired service members and their eligible family members
  • Retired National Guard and Reserve members and their eligible family members
  • TRICARE For Life beneficiaries
 
Q: Who is eligible for vision coverage?
A: To be eligible for FEDVIP vision coverage, you must be enrolled in a TRICARE health plan. Those who may qualify for vision coverage include:
  • 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
 
Q: How do I enroll in FEDVIP?
A: If you aren’t newly eligible for FEDVIP or you haven’t experienced a Qualifying Life Event (QLE), the next chance for you to enroll in FEDVIP dental and/or vision coverage is during this year’s annual open season. Your coverage will be effective Jan. 1, 2023.
 
If you currently have FEDVIP coverage and don’t want to make a change, you don’t have to do anything. Your existing plan will continue next year as long as you remain eligible.
 
Don’t miss your chance to enroll in or change your FEDVIP plan for next year. Visit the BENEFEDS website to check your eligibility and access tools to help you research the right plans for you and your family.

Did you read the latest TRICARE Health Matters newsletter? It highlights open season, changes to telemedicine policy, preventive services, common TRICARE terms, and much more. Check out your region's newsletter today.
 
Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit the TRICARE Subscriptions page today, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more.
Woman looks down at computer screen displaying TRICARE.mil/newsletters webpage. Text reads, "Catch up on the latest health news! www.tricare.mil/newsletters"

Stay In the Know With TRICARE Newsletters

News
Sep. 19, 2024

Did you know that TRICARE publishes quarterly newsletters? The TRICARE Health Matters Newsletter and the...
Read More
Smiling mother holds baby wearing onesie in her arm. Baby smiles up at grinning father.

TRICARE Dental Program Automatically Enrolls Kid...

News
Sep. 17, 2024

As a new parent, you have a lot on your mind—but dental insurance for your baby might not be at the top of the...
Read More
Woman sits on couch and smiles while looking down at smartphone.

How To Access Your MHS GENESIS Patient Portal

News
Sep. 12, 2024

Looking to access your health information? It’s never been easier, thanks to the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal...
Read More
A man poses for a photo in a maintenance shop with a saw table behind him.

TRICARE Is Your Partner in Mental Health Care

News
Sep. 10, 2024

Suicidal thoughts can be experienced by anyone and are a serious mental health concern. If you or someone you...
Read More
Smiling woman stands in front of American flag.

Unlock Your Health With Patient Advocates and Be...

News
Sep. 03, 2024

Did you know that military hospitals and clinics come with a support staff of people who can help you navigate...
Read More
Map of the United States. West Region is highlighted in blue, while East Region is highlighted in green. Six states (Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wisconsin) are highlighted in blue/green with arrows moving them from the East to the West.

Know How TRICARE Regions Are Changing in 2025

News
Aug. 30, 2024

On Jan. 1, 2025, there will be changes to the TRICARE regions in the United States as part of TRICARE's new...
Read More
Uniformed Sailor wearing glasses gives shot to another Sailor sitting down.

Learn How To Get Your TRICARE Vaccines Overseas

News
Aug. 28, 2024

Flu season is right around the corner—which means it’s time to start thinking about getting vaccines for...
Read More
Uniformed service member stands in pharmacy and reaches for to high shelf for box of medication.

Your Guide to TRICARE Pharmacy Program Terms

News
Aug. 22, 2024

Do you have a new prescription you need to fill? Or maybe you’ve been taking the same drug for years. Knowing...
Read More

Sept. 19, 2024

Stay In the Know With TRICARE Newsletters

Did you know that TRICARE publishes quarterly newsletters? The TRICARE Health Matters Newsletter and the TRICARE Dental Program Health Matters Newsletter offer helpful information about your health and dental plans, as well as the latest TRICARE news.

Sept. 17, 2024

TRICARE Dental Program Automatically Enrolls Kids at Age 1

As a new parent, you have a lot on your mind—but dental insurance for your baby might not be at the top of the list. Don’t worry! The TRICARE Dental Program helps military families by signing up kids at age 1.

Sept. 12, 2024

How To Access Your MHS GENESIS Patient Portal

Looking to access your health information? It’s never been easier, thanks to the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal. This secure, online tool allows you to manage your health care at military hospitals and clinics from the comfort of your home or on the go.  

Sept. 10, 2024

TRICARE Is Your Partner in Mental Health Care

Suicidal thoughts can be experienced by anyone and are a serious mental health concern. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out. Help is available, and TRICARE is here to support you.

Sept. 3, 2024

Unlock Your Health With Patient Advocates and Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinators

Did you know that military hospitals and clinics come with a support staff of people who can help you navigate the healthcare process? These include patient advocates and Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinators. You can find them at any military hospital or clinic.

Aug. 30, 2024

Know How TRICARE Regions Are Changing in 2025

On Jan. 1, 2025, there will be changes to the TRICARE regions in the United States as part of TRICARE's new regional contracts. While there will still be two TRICARE regions, six states currently in the East Region (Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Wisconsin) will move to the West Region.

Aug. 28, 2024

Learn How To Get Your TRICARE Vaccines Overseas

Flu season is right around the corner—which means it’s time to start thinking about getting vaccines for common respiratory diseases. If you live or travel overseas, it’s important to know where you can get these vaccines.

Aug. 22, 2024

Your Guide to TRICARE Pharmacy Program Terms

Do you have a new prescription you need to fill? Or maybe you’ve been taking the same drug for years. Knowing these TRICARE Pharmacy Program terms can help you get the medications you need at the right price.  

Aug. 20, 2024

TRICARE How-To: Filing Claims and Reimbursements

Have you ever had to get care while traveling? Or maybe you’ve had to visit a non-network TRICARE-authorized provider who doesn’t “participate.” In these situations—and some others—you might need to file a claim with TRICARE to get reimbursed.

Aug. 15, 2024

Learn About TRICARE Qualifying Life Events at Aug. 22 Webinar

Join TRICARE Thursday, Aug. 22, from 3 to 4 p.m. ET for the “Moving, Marriage, and More: What TRICARE QLEs Mean for You” webinar.