CRITICAL: FEDVIP Coverage Ends Upon Separation
Unlike FEHB health insurance, your FEDVIP dental and vision coverage **terminates on the last day of the pay period** in which you separate. There is **no Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC)**, no 31-day extension, and no option to convert to an individual plan. You must find new private coverage to avoid a gap.Understanding FEDVIP and RIF Separation
The Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) provides valuable supplemental coverage. However, its rules for separating employees who are not retiring are strict and differ significantly from other federal benefits.
The most important thing to understand is that for a non-retiring separation (such as a RIF), your FEDVIP enrollment cannot be continued. Your coverage will end, and you will need to seek new coverage on the private market.
Options After FEDVIP Termination
Since you cannot continue your FEDVIP plan after a non-retiring separation, you must explore alternatives to maintain dental and vision care.
Option 1: Purchase a Private Individual Plan
Your primary option is to purchase a new dental and/or vision plan directly from insurance carriers on the open market.
Key Points:
- You can shop for plans from various insurance companies.
- Plans, networks, and costs will vary widely. Compare deductibles, co-pays, and annual maximums.
- Be aware of potential waiting periods for major services on new dental plans.
- You can start researching and applying for these plans even before your separation date to ensure there is no gap in coverage.
Option 2: Healthcare Marketplace (ACA)
The Health Insurance Marketplace may offer some options, primarily for dental coverage.
Key Points:
- Some Marketplace health insurance plans include dental benefits, while others offer optional, add-on dental plans.
- Standalone vision plans are less common on the Marketplace but may be available in some states.
- Losing your job-based health coverage is a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) that opens a Special Enrollment Period for *health* insurance, which can include dental.
Exception: Continuing Coverage Through Retirement
The rules are different if your RIF separation makes you eligible for an immediate annuity, such as a Discontinued Service Retirement (DSR).
Key Points for Retirement Continuation:
- You must be enrolled in FEDVIP on the date you retire.
- You must be eligible for and elect an immediate annuity.
- Your coverage will then continue seamlessly into retirement.
- Premiums will be deducted directly from your monthly annuity payment.
This is the ONLY way to continue your current FEDVIP plan after a RIF separation.
If you are not eligible for an immediate retirement, your coverage will terminate.Action Plan: Maximizing Benefits Before Separation
Since your FEDVIP coverage will end, it is critical to use your benefits before your last day. Create a plan as soon as you receive your RIF notice.
- Schedule Final Appointments: Book dental cleanings, exams, and vision exams for yourself and all covered family members immediately. Appointment slots can fill up quickly.
- Complete Pending Treatments: If you need fillings, crowns, or other dental work, try to have it completed before your coverage ends. Discuss the timeline with your dentist.
- Order Glasses or Contacts: Use your plan's full allowance for eyeglasses (frames and lenses) or contact lenses. Even if your prescription is current, getting a backup pair is a good idea.
- Review Your Plan's Maximums: Understand your annual maximums for dental care and ensure you are utilizing them for necessary treatments.
- Use Your FSA: If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), use your remaining funds on eligible dental and vision co-pays, deductibles, or products before the deadline specified by your FSA administrator.
Comparing Alternative Coverage Options
Evaluate these post-separation options based on your needs and budget.
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Individual Plan |
|
|
Anyone needing to replace their FEDVIP coverage for the long term. |
| ACA Marketplace Dental |
|
|
Individuals also enrolling in a new health plan through the Marketplace. |
| Dental/Vision Discount Plans |
|
|
Basic, predictable preventive care or as a supplement for those with high costs. |
| Continue via Retirement |
|
|
Retirement-eligible employees (e.g., meeting DSR criteria). |
Frequently Asked Questions (FEDVIP & RIF)
Your coverage remains active until 11:59 PM on the last day of the pay period in which your separation becomes effective. After that moment, your coverage terminates completely.
Only if you are retiring with an immediate annuity. If you are separating and not immediately retiring, you cannot continue your FEDVIP coverage. There is no TCC (like FEHB has), no extension, and no conversion option.
No. According to BENEFEDS, they are unable to assist employees with obtaining dental or vision coverage after they've left federal service (unless it's a continuation into retirement). BENEFEDS administers the federal program; they do not sell private insurance plans.
You can contact them to inquire about the private individual plans they offer for sale, but you cannot convert or continue your specific federal plan. You would be applying as a new customer for one of their commercially available plans.
Official Resources
- BENEFEDS - Retiring & Separating Employees Page - This is the official source for what happens to your FEDVIP coverage when you leave federal service.
- OPM FEDVIP Information - General overview of the program rules from the Office of Personnel Management.