Active-duty servicemembers have likely gotten used to receiving dental care through the Tricare Dental Program. However, once you separate or retire from the armed services, you’ll need to find a new dental insurance plan.
For those seeking military retiree dental insurance, the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) is a great option that offers flexible, comprehensive coverage. Of course, if you continue to work after your retirement from the armed services or if you’re not eligible for FEDVIP, employer-sponsored dental insurance or the VA Dental Insurance Program may be more applicable.
Today, we’ll explore FEDVIP as an option for military retiree dental insurance to help you decide if it’s the best coverage for you.
Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)
The Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) is a voluntary, enrollee-pay-all program that provides comprehensive dental and vision insurance to eligible federal employees, military retirees and their dependents. FEDVIP offers various plan options, ranging from national to regional availability, enabling military retirees to choose coverage that best fits their needs and budget.
If you are eligible for FEDVIP, note that you can only enroll or make changes to your coverage during two specific scenarios:
- You can enroll for or make coverage changes during FEDVIP’s “open season,” which starts on the Monday of the second full week of November and ends on the Monday of the second full week of December every year.
- In the incident of a Qualifying Life Event, such as marriage, loss of other coverage or loss of a family member, you may enroll outside of open season.
Who’s eligible for FEDVIP dental coverage?
FEDVIP covers a wide range of military retirees and family members (including survivors). See the following chart to determine if you are eligible for FEDVIP dental coverage:
| Eligible Person | Conditions of Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Retired active-duty & Retired Reserve members | – Former servicemembers entitled to retired, retainer or equivalent pay and other benefits – Former servicemembers who retired due to a D.o.D determined medical disability – Retired reserve members age 60 and older – Gray area reservists not yet receiving retired pay |
| Spouse of an eligible member | Spouse of a retired active-duty member or retired eligible retiree |
| Unmarried child or dependent of an eligible member* | – Child of an FEDVIP eligible retiree – Child in legal custody of a FEDVIP eligible retiree for more than 12 months |
| Survivor of an eligible member | – Unmarried surviving spouse of an FEDVIP eligible retiree – Child of an FEDVIP eligible retiree – Dependent of an FEDVIP eligible retiree |
*Note that dependents of a retired servicemember/retired reserve member, including spouses and children, may also receive FEDVIP dental coverage even if the FEDVIP eligible retiree isn’t enrolled in in the program. Qualifying situations include:
- The military retiree receives VA dental services.
- The military retiree has dental insurance through their employer that doesn’t cover family members.
- The military retiree cannot receive dental services due to a medical or dental condition.
FEDVIP Dental Programs
FEDVIP offers a variety of dental plans to choose from. While many plans are available nationwide or even internationally, some plans are only available regionally or in certain zip codes. You can visit the BENEFEDS website for a full rundown and comparison of the available options. Here’s a quick overview:
| FEDVIP Dental Plan Options | |
| National & International Availability | Regional Availability |
| Aetna Dental Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental Delta Dental’s Federal Employees Dental Program GEHA Connection Dental Federal The MetLife Federal Dental Plan United Concordia Dental UnitedHealthcare Dental | Dominion National EmblemHealth Dental HealthPartners Dental Humana Dental Triple-S Salud |
To help you compare different providers, the following sections will provide an overview of some of the most popular national FEDVIP carrier and plan options, all of which include “Standard” and “High” plan options. Monthly premiums and annual deductibles are dependent on your zip code. You can compare deductibles, copays and lifetime maximums using the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Plan Selection Comparison Tool.
MetLife’s FEDVIP
- 100% coverage for in-network cleanings, X-rays and exams
- Savings of up to 70% for in-network services such as fillings and crowns
- Preventive Services
- Orthodontic coverage for adults and children
- Over 427,000 locations nationwide
- Benefits available on day one of your coverage
Contact MetLife’s FEDVIP:
- MetLife’s Website
- 1-888-865-6854
Delta Dental’s FEDVIP
- 100% coverage for in-network cleanings, X-rays and exams
- Unlimited in-network annual maximum under the High option plan
- No waiting periods
- No deductible on any in-network services
- Additional covered cleaning per year for pregnant individuals, as well as Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics
- Over 372,000 in-network providers nationwide
Contact Delta Dental’s FEDVIP:
- Delta Dental’s Website
- 855-410-3255
Blue Cross Blue Shield’s FEDVIP
- Fully-covered, in-network preventive care, including up to three dental cleanings a year
- No deductible for in-network services, like fillings and root canals
- No waiting periods
- A large nationwide network with over 479,000 in-network dentists
- Worldwide coverage with all overseas services at the in-network benefit level
Contact Blue Cross Blue Shield’s FEDVIP:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Website
- 855-504-2583
United Concordia’s FEDVIP
- 100% coverage for in-network cleanings, X-rays and exams
- No annual deductibles
- No waiting periods
- Coverage for white and silver fillings
- Orthodontia for members, spouses, and children (High Option)
Contact United Concordia’s FEDVIP:
- United Concordia’s Website
- 877-394-8224
Aetna’s FEDVIP
- In and out of network coverage
- 24/7 Virtual care providers
- No waiting periods
- Orthodontia coverage for children and adults, including Invisalign and SmileDirectClub
Contact Aetna’s FEDVIP:
- Aetna’s Website
- 877-459-6604
Best Dental Insurance for Military Retirement
As you have seen, FEDVIP offers a variety of coverage options for everyone. There is no one single best FEDVIP military retiree dental insurance plan, and every retiree probably has a couple of choices that would make a good fit for them and their families.
Just remember, the most important thing is that you have to take action during the Federal Benefits Open Season if you want to have FEDVIP dental coverage. Get started researching your options and enroll at BENEFEDS.com. If you have more questions, you can reach a BENEFEDS representative at 1-877-888-FEDS (3337).
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Barbara D Duncan says
I am the spouse of retiree who has passed. Who do I contact about my dental coverage.
I was covered under Delta Dental and received notice from my dentist that my dental work was turned down due to it being inactive. What does that mean? I have not received any notification concerning my coverage.
My husbands name is Roger Dale Duncan
Ryan Guina says
Hello Barbara, I’m sorry for your loss. You will need to contact Delta Dental to inquire about your eligibility. I recommend contacting Tricare too, to ensure you retain your Tricare eligibility and an active policy. Best wishes!
Janice Millikan Angel says
I think it would be so helpful to those of us who want to stay with out dentist to have a way to find out if the office we go to is a provider. Dentists are no all the same, actually quite the opposite. We should not have to bother our dentist to find out which plans they are attached to. Simplify the process!!
William Stose says
Living in the NE and having to switch from FEDVIP to a higher deduction per month and lesser coverage is a real kick in he teeth for Retired Military. As times go on with people like Trump in office they are cutting and cutting every chance they get! They would rather pay nothing for military and civilian health and dental whether you can afford it or not. The Republicans only take care of the rich!
gilbert julius gilbertson says
Yes I’m a 20 year retired Army I was receiving all my medicines free, after Trumps tax costs my co pay started at $4.00 now it’t up to $10.00 I believe I should get my medicines at no cost I served my country’s while trump and others were filing bank rapacity. One Very Proud Vet Gil Gilbertson
john gudmundson says
What are the age limits for children to be covered? Mine are college aged.
Rebecca Elliott says
My Husband is retired Army and we had Delta Dental for many years. We signed up for United Concordia, the more expensive plan, and made the mistake of assuming that we would not have to read the fine print as to their coverage for crowns. Our dentist appealed their determination but their policy language only covers crowns if : “such a significant loss of tooth structure that the tooth cannot be adequately restored using a direct restoration….”
If you want coverage for crowns similar to Delta Dental, stay away from United Concordia Dental, can’t wait til it is open season again so we can drop them!
Barbara Calkins says
I need 2018 expenses for income tax This is for my husband and myself. He is Ron Calkins and I am Barbara Calkins. We are now signed up with Aetna Dental but I need the figures for 2018. Could not get them by calling and having them mailed as in the past. We are retired military and have been with Delta Dental in California for a number of years. Please tell me what to do.
Eleanor Wilson says
How do I find actual benefits with this insurance. Have no idea. Have had delta dental plan for many years but this is a mystery to me
Patrick Neal says
I signed up for a dental program.
Will I receive a confirmation, if so when?
Ryan Guina says
Patrick, you should receive confirmation from your new dental care provider. Most companies send out written confirmation within 1-2 weeks. You can contact your company for more information regarding when you will receive your confirmation and other paperwork.
Karol Balmer says
What is the cost of this program?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Karol, There are multiple plans – you will need to choose the one that best meets your needs. You can compare plans at the Benefeds website.
I wish you the best, and thank you for your service!
Gina Buffaloe says
Terrible. Now I can no longer have the option to have two dental plans and my out of pocket costs go through the roof.
Michelle Wadkins says
We have always had dual family insurance enrollments. With this happening we can not have it.
Why are OPM guidelines (for civilians) governing Military retirements? This is not a good practice.
With the premiums we pay and out of pocket expenses not having this will be detrimental to our getting the care we needs due to the costs we will incur. Especially if we have to place a parent on the plan due to getting guardianship.
What other benefits will the government take from retirees?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Michelle, I recommend contacting the FEDVIP program and speaking with their customer service department to get an overview of how this will work in your situation. They will be able to provide a response customized to your specific needs. I wish you the best, and thank you for your service!
Barbara Rucker says
How do we sign up for dental and vision?
Joe says
It turns out that my lack of a dental plan is cheaper than any plan I have looked at. I get one visit a year pay a less than $100 for the visit. I haven’t needed any major work since graduating from college. I haven’t had any work for many years and only have a yearly visit. I cannot believe that this is the way to go for anyone who takes care of their teeth. I am now 80 years old and doubt that I have spent over $1000 for dental work. My children and their children take care of their teeth and have the same great results that I and my wife have been fortunate to have.
Good luck and hopefully, your plans will save thousands who are not used to taking care of their teeth.
Ryan Guina says
Great feedback, Joe! Yes, self-insuring is an affordable option for many people. But some people still need additional care, even when they take care of their teeth. It’s great if you can get by with an annual exam and cleaning. If that is the case, you can probably pay cash each year and be done with it. Even if something pops up every few years, it may be less expensive than paying monthly premiums. But some people need more extensive dental care, especially if they have children or need orthodontics. So they would most likely be better off with an insurance plan. That is why it is always important to run the numbers and see what is best for your situation.