Announcement on Vision/Dental Benefits Coming

Meanwhile, OPM is expected to soon announce the general terms of the vision and dental benefits package for federal employees and retirees, a benefit that will be separate from the FEHB program but that will become a consideration for many enrollees during the FEHB open season. The program will be funded only by enrollees but officials project that premiums will be held down by the potentially large purchasing pool. Congress authorized the program last year, responding to concerns that the offerings of FEHB programs in those areas are too limited. OPM has set a goal of having that program operating next July, although it recently indicated that that schedule might slip.