Everything You Need to Know About Tricare and FEDVIP Open Season

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Open Enrollment

Every year from mid-November to mid-December, federal health insurance plans offer an open enrollment, also known as open season. This open season gives beneficiaries enrolled in these insurance plans a chance to make changes to their annual contracted coverage.

This year's open season will run from Nov. 13 to Dec. 12, 2023, for Tricare; and Nov. 13 to Dec. 11 for the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).

Outside of this annual open enrollment season, changes may be made only if one has what is known as a "qualifying life event."

Open Season

Long a part of the civilian benefits routine, open season offers the opportunity to enroll or change health insurance coverage under Tricare or the FEDVIP for the upcoming year.

What Can You Do During Open Season?

Tricare

During open season, you can enroll in a new Tricare plan or change your coverage. Any changes you make to your Tricare coverage during open season will be effective for the new year.

Open season does not apply to Tricare Reserve SelectTricare Retired ReserveTricare Young Adult, or Tricare For Life.

FEDVIP

During open season, dependents of active-duty members can purchase vision insurance, and military retirees can purchase vision and dental insurance, through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).

During open season, they may:

  • Enroll in a new vision or dental plan
  • Cancel FEDVIP coverage
  • Switch to a new insurance company
  • Switch to a different level of coverage (standard or high)
  • Switch to a different family plan (self, self plus one, or family)

As with Tricare, outside of open season, the only other time to make changes to FEDVIP coverage is after a qualifying life event.

With all FEDVIP plans, there are three options:

  1. Self-only coverage
  2. Self-plus-one (probably, but not necessarily, your spouse) coverage
  3. Self and family coverage

Keep Up with Changes to Tricare and Your Other Benefits

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