DHA Director: How You Can Take Command of Open Season

November 01, 2019

(This article by Lt. Gen. Ronald Place, USA, appears in the November 2019 edition of Military Officer, a magazine available to all MOAA Premium and Life members. Learn more about the magazine here; learn more about joining MOAA here.)

Now in its second year, open season for the TRICARE and Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) will take place from Nov. 11 to Dec. 9. During these four weeks, servicemembers and their families and retirees can change, stop, or start a health, dental, or vision plan. As a reminder, all coverage takes effect Jan. 1, 2020.

The process is designed to be simple. If you like your current health, dental, or vision plan, you don’t have to do anything; your coverage will continue. Want to change your coverage or sign up for a plan? Here’s how.

Health Care

TRICARE Select is the preferred provider option. TRICARE Prime remains unchanged as a health maintenance organization option and is available in some areas. If you would like to switch between or terminate your Select or Prime coverage, contact your regional managed care support contractor at (844) 866-9378 in the West or (800) 444-5445 in the East.

Dental

Retirees and their family members now have expanded dental coverage choices. You can choose from 10 carriers through FEDVIP. Select the plan to meet your family’s 2020 needs. Go to www.benefeds.com to confirm eligibility, enroll, change, or cancel coverage. If you have questions, contact BENEFEDS at (877) 888-3337.

Vision

2020 will be the second year vision coverage is offered to active duty family members, reserve members, retirees, and retiree family members through FEDVIP (if you are enrolled in a health plan). Like the dental plans, FEDVIP allows you to choose from four carriers to select a plan to meet your phase-of-life needs. Go to www.benefeds.com to confirm eligibility, enroll, change, or end coverage or for more information. If you have questions, call BENEFEDS at (877) 888-3337.

New Retirees

Enroll in TRICARE Prime or Select within a year of retiring to maintain coverage.

DEERS Reminder

TRICARE beneficiaries, keep your family’s information up-to-date in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) online at www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect or by calling (800) 538-9522 to ensure you have access to all your earned benefits.

Lt. Gen. Ronald Place became the Defense Health Agency director in September.