An official website of the United States government
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 | Nov. 24, 2025

Review your FEDVIP dental and vision coverage during Federal Benefits Open Season

By TRICARE Communications

Do you want dental or vision coverage along with your TRICARE health plan? Coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program may be a good choice for you. Here’s what you need to know about FEDVIP and how to sign up during Federal Benefits Open Season, which runs from Nov. 10 through Dec. 8 this year.

FEDVIP gives you coverage choices

FEDVIP is a voluntary insurance program for dental and vision care managed by BENEFEDS. If eligible, you can choose from 12 dental plan carriers and five vision plan carriers offering premium-based plans. This gives you options to find a plan that works for your needs and budget.

Who can sign up for FEDVIP?

Are you wondering if you’re eligible for FEDVIP? Your eligibility depends on your beneficiary category. Several groups can join. These include:
  • Federal employees
  • Retirees
  • Active duty family members – vision only
  • Survivors

Remember that FEDVIP coverage is separate from TRICARE health plans. It’s also separate from the TRICARE Dental Program and the Active Duty Dental Program. This makes FEDVIP useful for those who are eligible and want to purchase dental or vision care in addition to existing coverage through a TRICARE health plan, as described in the TRICARE Dental Program Handbook.

FEDVIP and TRICARE have different open seasons

Federal Benefits Open Season isn’t the same as the TRICARE Open Season. Federal Benefits Open Season is for dental and vision plans through FEDVIP. TRICARE Open Season is for TRICARE health plans. There are two separate enrollment periods since FEDVIP is separate from TRICARE. Make sure you know which one you need to act on.

How enrollment and payments work

BENEFEDS handles enrollment and payments for FEDVIP. When you have questions about signing up, changing plans, or paying your bill, contact BENEFEDS. Visit BENEFEDS to learn more and manage your account.

BENEFEDS doesn’t handle claims. If you have questions about your coverage or need help with a claim, call your dental or vision plan carrier directly.

Open season is happening now—act by Dec. 8

Now is your chance to enroll in, change, or cancel your FEDVIP dental or vision plan.

Changes you make during open season go into effect Jan. 1, 2026. Already enrolled in a FEDVIP plan? If you’re happy with your coverage, you don’t need to take any action. Your plan will continue as long as you’re still eligible.

Want to add dental or vision coverage through FEDVIP or change your current plan? Don’t wait: The deadline is Dec. 8. Go to BENEFEDS to review your choices, compare plans, and enroll before open season ends.

Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions to get benefit updates, news, and more.
 

Therapist sits, holding a notepad, while listening to a patient.
Making the most of TRICARE’s mental healthcare s...
News
Sep. 10, 2026

Your mental health matters just as much as your physical health, and TRICARE is here to support you with a...
Read More
Military doctor uses a stethoscope on a service member.
Medical appointment coming up? Some guidance to ...
News
Sep. 08, 2026

When you have a medical appointment on the calendar, it’s best to prepare ahead of time. It doesn’t take long,...
Read More
TRICARE: Readiness Starts at Home
TRICARE: Readiness starts at home
News
Sep. 03, 2026

TRICARE helps military families stay healthy so service members can focus on the mission. Hear directly from...
Read More
Baby seated in a stroller
TRICARE Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Dem...
News
Sep. 01, 2026

Are you planning to give birth in the coming months? Do you have TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Prime Remote, or...
Read More
Woman meditating
A game plan for when stress affects your oral he...
News
Aug. 28, 2026

In many ways, experiencing feelings of stress is a part of our everyday lives. Life in the military community...
Read More
Woman and a child brushing their teeth
What your bad breath could be telling you about ...
News
Aug. 28, 2026

Occasional bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be a temporary problem, often caused by certain smelly...
Read More
"Patients needed on Sept. 15, 2026 for a focus group discussion about lower back pain. Sign up deadline is Sept. 8, 2026.
Provide feedback on clinical practice guidelines...
News
Aug. 27, 2026

Are you living with lower back pain? The Defense Health Agency and Veterans Health Administration would like...
Read More
Woman in a brown coat and jeans sits next to her luggage while holding a passport
Know the differences in how TRICARE works in the...
News
Aug. 25, 2026

TRICARE has you covered worldwide. Understanding your coverage options helps you stay prepared for any health...
Read More

Sept. 10, 2026

Making the most of TRICARE’s mental healthcare services

Your mental health matters just as much as your physical health, and TRICARE is here to support you with a wide range of mental healthcare services, from talk therapy to inpatient care. This article describes how to get mental healthcare with TRICARE and how to request a different provider when you receive a referral for mental healthcare services, if needed.

Sept. 8, 2026

Medical appointment coming up? Some guidance to help you prepare

When you have a medical appointment on the calendar, it’s best to prepare ahead of time. It doesn’t take long, and the benefits will help you make the most of your healthcare appointment.

Sept. 3, 2026

TRICARE: Readiness starts at home

TRICARE helps military families stay healthy so service members can focus on the mission. Hear directly from military families and retirees as they share how TRICARE has supported them through permanent changes of station, raising children, and major illnesses.

Sept. 1, 2026

TRICARE Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration extended through 2031

Are you planning to give birth in the coming months? Do you have TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Prime Remote, or TRICARE Select? Now is a great time to explore benefits that may be available to you through the Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration. The CBSD covers certain support services and providers not usually covered. The demonstration has been extended through Dec. 31, 2031.

Aug. 28, 2026

A game plan for when stress affects your oral health

In many ways, experiencing feelings of stress is a part of our everyday lives. Life in the military community often comes with its own unique stressors. While we often associate stress with mental and emotional well-being, stress also affects your entire body, including your oral health.

Aug. 28, 2026

What your bad breath could be telling you about your oral health

Occasional bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be a temporary problem, often caused by certain smelly foods like garlic or onions. However, persistent bad breath can be a red flag, signaling oral health issues that require attention from a dentist or medical professional.

Aug. 27, 2026

Provide feedback on clinical practice guidelines in joint patient focus groups: lower back pain on Sept. 15

Are you living with lower back pain? The Defense Health Agency and Veterans Health Administration would like to hear about your treatment experience. Together, they’re hosting a virtual focus group on Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. ET. This focus group offers patients the opportunity to provide your perspective on your treatment journey in the Military Health System. It’s open to active duty service members and veterans.

Aug. 25, 2026

Know the differences in how TRICARE works in the U.S. vs. overseas

TRICARE has you covered worldwide. Understanding your coverage options helps you stay prepared for any health issues that might come up. This article explains how TRICARE works differently in the U.S. and overseas.

Aug. 20, 2026

TRICARE Dental Program orthodontic coverage: What to know before you start getting care

Do you or your child need braces? You should know that the TRICARE Dental Program covers orthodontic care. Keep reading to learn who qualifies, what’s covered, and how costs work.

Aug. 19, 2026

TRICARE, Medicare, and Social Security: how your entitlements work together

Many service members and their families don’t realize that Social Security taxes deducted from each paycheck help build a foundation for future financial security. You’ve been paying into Social Security, so keeping tabs on your information is key. By setting up a my Social Security account, you can see what you’ve earned, and how it all fits together.