Dental and vision benefits under standard FEHB plans are limited. Image: wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffThe FEHB health insurance and FEDVIP dental and vision insurance programs are paired in many people’s minds. During annual open seasons such as the one running November 13-December 11 this year, it helps to see how the two relate, for purposes of making the best choice in each.
They are both forms of health insurance—in contrast to the government’s other two insurance programs, which offer life and long-term care insurance—generally, the same people who are eligible for FEHB are eligible for FEDVIP (the main exception being that FEHB children’s coverage is less restrictive and continues up to age 26 rather than age 22), and in some cases the same insurance companies act as carriers.
The FEDVIP program, though is much smaller and more limited. One issue that has arisen in FEDVIP for those who have enrolled—and which may be a contributing factor for those who haven’t—involves coordination of benefits. Many FEHB plans do offer at least some dental or vision benefits, and there is a perception among some that taking FEDVIP coverage amounts to paying twice for the same benefits.
However, dental and vision benefits under standard FEHB plans are limited—for example, dental coverage might be provided to repair damage done to teeth in an accident. Potential enrollees should make sure they understand what their FEHB plan does and doesn’t cover in the dental and vision area before making any decisions regarding FEDVIP.
FEDVIP is the “secondary” payer to any benefits provided under an FEHB plan. If you are enrolled in both FEDVIP and FEHB, you must provide your FEHB enrollment information during the FEDVIP enrollment process (which takes place online, on www.benefeds.com). It’s a good idea to provide your FEHB information to the medical office that is providing the dental or vision services under FEDVIP.
Also, if you change your FEHB health plan during the year, you need to notify BENEFEDS immediately. If you fail to provide this information, payment of claims will be delayed.
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