Insurance changes ahead for military retirees

The Defense Health Agency’s TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) will end on December 31, 2018. This affects retired military veterans only, not active duty personnel. The end of TRDP is part of the reforms that began rolling out on January 1, 2018.

As directed in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2017, retired uniformed service members and their families who were eligible for TRDP will have the opportunity to enroll in the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).

The first opportunity to enroll in FEDVIP will be during the next Federal Benefits Open Season, which runs from November 12 through December 10, 2018 (ET), with coverage effective January 1, 2019. The open enrollment is on Eastern time. This means the open enrollment period closes at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on December 10th. If you’re in Central, Mountain or Pacific time zones, this is an important detail to remember. Enrollment can be completed either on the FEDVIP website or by calling a yet-to-be-released 800 number.

If you’re currently enrolled in a TRDP plan, you will not be automatically enrolled in a FEDVIP plan for 2019. You must enroll during open season. When you enroll you can choose a dental plan from among 10 dental insurance providers. You will also be able to enroll in FEDVIP vision coverage.

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about this change in dental benefits.

Key dates to put on your calendar:

• October 2018: 2019 FEDVIP plan rates are available
• November 12-December 10, 2018: Federal Benefits Open Season sign up
• January 1, 2019: 2019 FEDVIP plan year begins

While you’re updating your dental insurance, take a few minutes to review your veterans life insurance. Does it still cover everything and everyone you originally intended?  If you’ve had a significant change in your life such as a marriage, divorce, baby, adoption, remarriage, or home purchase you may need to update your coverage or beneficiary. USBA offers retired military life insurance, as well as veteran group life insurance for military and their spouses.