Armed Forces News

Certain TRICARE beneficiaries who wish to change their present health coverage will be able to do so when the agency holds its Open Season. The dates – Nov. 9-Dec. 14 – are the same as the Federal Benefits Open Season.

The open season applies to those covered under TRICARE Prime (to include the U.S. Family Health Plan), TRICARE Prime Remote, and TRICARE Select. It does not apply to active-duty service members, or those covered under TRICARE For Life (TFL). Enrollment for TFL is automatic for those who covered under Medicare Part A and Part B.

Those covered under the agency’s premium-based plans – TRICARE Reserve Select, TRICARE Retired Reserve, TRICARE Young Adult and the Continued Health Benefit Program – also are not affected by the open season.

People to whom open season applies can:

* Enroll in a plan for 2021, if they are not yet covered.

* Change their 2021 coverage – from TRICARE Prime to TRICARE Select, for example. This is also the time to change from individual to family enrollment, if need be.

* Keep the current coverage and make no change at all.

TRICARE Select Group A retirees need to be aware of enrollment fees that take effect on Jan. 1. (Group A refers to retirees whose initial enlistment or appointment of their uniformed sponsor began before Jan. 1, 2018.) These retirees must pay a monthly enrollment fee to retain coverage next year. They must set up a plan to pay the fee before the open season ends. The fees are $12.50 per month for individuals and $25 per month for families consisting of two or more people.

Again, these fees do not apply to active-duty service members who are enrolled in TRICARE Select. Nor does it apply to survivors of deceased service members, or those who are medically retired and their family members. The fees also do not apply to those covered under TRICARE For Life, TRICARE Prime, or any premium-based plan.

Group B retirees, whose enlistments or appointments began on or after Jan. 1, 2018, already enrollment fees for their coverage.

Those who wish to pick up dental and vision coverage next year can do so during the open season, through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). Coverage for people currently enrolled in a FEDVIP dental or vision plan will continue automatically next year, unless they wish to make a change.

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