Dental & Vision (FEDVIP) Options | Federal RIF Resource Hub
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Dental & Vision (FEDVIP) Options

Learn how to maintain your dental and vision coverage after a RIF.

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Understanding Your FEDVIP Coverage

The Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) provides supplemental coverage. Maintaining this coverage after a RIF requires understanding its unique rules.

Your Current FEDVIP Coverage

Your FEDVIP coverage provides benefits for:

  • Dental Services: Depending on your plan, this includes preventive care (cleanings, exams), basic services (fillings), major services (crowns, root canals), and possibly orthodontics.
  • Vision Services: Depending on your plan, this includes routine eye exams, eyeglasses (lenses and frames), contact lenses, and potentially discounts on corrective surgery.

Your enrollment level could be Self Only, Self Plus One, or Self and Family.

Important: Remember your specific plan details (carrier, plan name) as you explore continuation options.

FEDVIP Continuation Options After RIF

Option 1: Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) via BENEFEDS

This is the primary way to continue your exact FEDVIP plan after separation.

Key Points about FEDVIP TCC:
  • You must actively enroll through BENEFEDS within 60 days of your separation date.
  • Coverage can continue for up to 18 months.
  • You pay the full premium plus a 2% administrative fee. (Note: Since there's no government contribution to FEDVIP premiums for employees, the TCC cost is only slightly higher than your employee cost, unlike FEHB TCC which is much more expensive).
  • Coverage is retroactive to your separation date if elected timely, ensuring no gap.
  • You can choose to continue dental, vision, or both.
No Grace Period!
FEDVIP ends on your separation date. Elect TCC promptly if you need continuous coverage for ongoing treatment.

Option 2: Convert to an Individual Policy

You may have the right to convert your FEDVIP coverage to an individual policy directly with your current FEDVIP carrier(s).

Key Points about Conversion:
  • You must contact your specific FEDVIP carrier(s) (not BENEFEDS) about conversion options.
  • The deadline is typically 31 days from your separation date (verify with carrier).
  • Premiums are likely higher than FEDVIP rates.
  • Coverage details and benefits may differ significantly from your FEDVIP plan.
  • Underwriting rules (medical questions) may apply, unlike TCC.

Option 3: Continue Coverage Through Retirement (If Eligible)

If you qualify for an immediate annuity (including DSR), you can continue your FEDVIP enrollment into retirement.

Key Points for Retirement Continuation:
  • Must be enrolled in FEDVIP at the time of retirement.
  • Coverage continues seamlessly without needing to elect TCC.
  • Premiums are the same as employee premiums and are deducted from your annuity.
  • You retain the ability to change plans during Open Season.
Check Retirement Eligibility

FEDVIP TCC Premium Calculator

Estimate the cost of continuing your FEDVIP through TCC. Find your current bi-weekly premium on your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) or through your payroll provider's portal.

Step-by-Step FEDVIP TCC Enrollment Process

Note Your Separation Date

Your 60-day TCC enrollment window starts from this date.

Contact BENEFEDS Promptly

Do not wait. Contact BENEFEDS soon after separation to initiate the TCC enrollment process. Call 1-877-888-FEDS (1-877-888-3337) or visit www.benefeds.com. They manage FEDVIP enrollment and TCC.

Request & Complete TCC Enrollment

Follow BENEFEDS' instructions to complete the TCC enrollment. You will likely need to provide proof of separation (like your SF-50) and specify which coverage(s) (dental/vision) you want to continue.

Submit Within 60 Days

Ensure BENEFEDS receives your completed enrollment request within 60 days of your separation date.

Arrange Payment

Set up direct payment for the monthly premiums (full premium + 2% fee) with BENEFEDS. Timely payment is crucial to activate and maintain coverage.

Confirm Coverage

Follow up with BENEFEDS and your specific carrier(s) to confirm your TCC enrollment is active.

Comparing FEDVIP Continuation with Alternatives

Consider these options based on cost, coverage needs, and duration.

Option Pros Cons Best For
FEDVIP TCC
  • Keeps exact same plan/network
  • Guaranteed acceptance
  • Covers pre-existing conditions
  • Relatively small premium increase
  • Limited to 18 months
  • Requires timely enrollment via BENEFEDS
 Maintaining specific plan/provider for ongoing care; bridge coverage needed.
Individual Plan (Private Market)
  • Many plan choices
  • Potentially lower cost (esp. basic plans)
  • Long-term coverage possible
  • May require underwriting
  • Different networks/benefits
  • Waiting periods may apply
 Healthy individuals seeking long-term coverage or different benefit levels.
New Employer's Coverage
  • Often employer-subsidized
  • Group rates
  • Payroll deduction
  • Requires new job with benefits
  • Waiting periods may apply
  • Plan details vary
 Those expecting quick re-employment with dental/vision benefits.
Discount Plans
  • Low monthly fees
  • No waiting periods/maximums
  • NOT insurance (pays % of fee)
  • Limited provider network
  • Higher out-of-pocket for major work
 Basic preventive care needs; low budget; limited network acceptable.
Continue via Retirement
  • Seamless continuation
  • Employee premiums
  • Long-term coverage
  • Annuity deduction
  • Requires immediate retirement eligibility
 Retirement-eligible employees.

Maximizing Benefits Before Separation

Since FEDVIP ends on your separation date, plan ahead if possible:

  • Schedule Checkups: Get dental cleanings/exams and vision exams done before you leave.
  • Complete Treatments: If you need fillings, crowns, new glasses, or contacts, try to get them while covered. Discuss multi-stage treatments with your provider.
  • Use Allowances: Maximize frame/lens/contact lens allowances under your vision plan.
  • Coordinate with FSA: Use any remaining Flexible Spending Account funds for eligible dental/vision expenses before separation (check FSA rules for grace periods/runout).

Frequently Asked Questions (FEDVIP & RIF)

No. This is a critical difference. FEDVIP coverage ends on your separation date. The 60-day window is only for *enrolling* in TCC coverage, which will then be retroactive to your separation date if you enroll and pay premiums.

Yes. When enrolling in FEDVIP TCC through BENEFEDS, you can elect to continue your dental plan, your vision plan, or both, assuming you were enrolled in them prior to separation.

It's only slightly more expensive than your employee premium. You pay the full premium (which you were already paying as an employee, since there's no government contribution) plus a 2% administrative fee. Use the calculator on this page for an estimate.

No. For TCC, you must continue the same plan(s) you were enrolled in at the time of separation. You can only change plans during the annual Federal Benefits Open Season.

You permanently lose the right to continue FEDVIP through TCC. You would need to seek coverage through the private individual market.

Agency-Specific Provisions

FEDVIP rules are generally consistent government-wide and managed by BENEFEDS. However, your agency might offer specific counseling or resources related to benefits continuation during a RIF.

Always check with your agency's HR or benefits office. They may provide:
  • Detailed checklists for separating employees covering all benefits.
  • Contact information for dedicated transition counselors.
  • Reminders about key deadlines, including the FEDVIP TCC enrollment window.
While agency-specific *subsidies* for FEDVIP TCC are rare (unlike potential FEHB TCC subsidies), specialized counseling can be valuable.

Additional Resources

  • BENEFEDS Website - Official portal for FEDVIP enrollment and TCC information. (Phone: 1-877-888-FEDS)
  • OPM FEDVIP Information - Overview of the program rules.
  • FEDVIP Plan Information - Details and brochures for specific plans.
  • Contact your specific FEDVIP dental and/or vision carrier(s) directly for details about individual conversion policies (if considering that option instead of TCC).