What Resources are Available for the Benefeds Open Season for Dental and Vision Plans

Virtual Benefits Help for the FEDVIP Open Season 2024

November brings the annual federal benefits open season, when those covered by FEHB and FEDVIP can select new health plans, as well as vision and dental coverage. Federal employees, retirees, and family members have FREE access to our virtual benefits workshop, which provides an opportunity to learn about available dental and vision insurance plans. The events include a live Q&A chat with federal benefits experts, and informational materials. Employees can attend from the comfort of their home or office, making it a convenient way to gather information and make informed decisions about their coverage. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about your options during the FEDVIP open season 2024 – which is important than most years as premiums are increasing on January 1 2025 – much more than the increase from 2023 to 2024. 

Retired Federal Employees can register here.

Current Federal Employees can register here.

FEDVIP Plans for 2025: the Benefeds Open Season 2024

The benefeds website is a valuable resource for federal employees during the Benefeds open season 2024 for the Federal Employee Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). OPM can be a use tool as well, but it can also be a hassle to navigate at times. The website does provide detailed information about the available health insurance, dental and vision plans, enrollment instructions, and tools for comparing coverage options. Additionally, the OPM website offers FAQs and other resources to help employees navigate the open season process and make the best choices for their healthcare needs during the benefeds open season. 

The Federal Employee Health Benefits Open Season 2024 is a crucial period for federal employees to review and make changes to their dental and vision insurance plans. This annual event allows eligible federal employees to enroll in, change, or cancel their dental and vision insurance coverage. Understanding the options available and the process for enrollment can help ensure that employees and their families are adequately covered for the upcoming year.

What is the FEHB and FEDVIP Open Season?

When does the open season start and end?

The Federal Benefits Open Season typically starts in mid-November and runs through mid-December. For 2024, the open season will start on November 11 and end on December 9. During this period, federal employees, FERS and CSRS annuitants, and covered family members. have the opportunity to make important decisions regarding their dental and vision insurance plans, ensuring that they have the coverage they need for the upcoming year.

Who is eligible to participate in the Benefeds open season 2024?

Eligibility to participate in the benefeds open season extends to federal employees, retirees, and eligible family members. This includes individuals who are part of the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), and the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS). It is important for eligible participants to review their current plans and consider any changes that may be necessary to meet their needs.

What changes can be made during the FEDVIP open season 2024?

During the open season for dental and vision insurance plans, participants can make several types of changes to their dental and vision coverage. These changes include enrolling in a new plan, switching from one plan to another, adding or removing eligible family members, and canceling existing coverage. Additionally, employees can make changes to their flexible spending accounts and other federal health benefits. It is a critical time to evaluate current coverage and make adjustments as needed.

How to Enroll in Dental and Vision Insurance during Open Season?

Steps to enroll in FEDVIP

Enrolling in the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) during the open season involves several steps. First, employees should review the available dental and vision plans to determine which options best meet their needs (Attend Our Open Season Webinar). Next, they need to gather necessary information, such as their Social Security number and the names and birthdates of eligible family members. Finally, they can complete the enrollment process through the BENEFEDS portal, ensuring that they select the appropriate plan and coverage level.

How to use the BENEFEDS portal for enrollment?

The BENEFEDS portal is a user-friendly online platform that allows federal employees to enroll in, change, or cancel their dental and vision insurance plans during the open season. To use the portal, employees must create an account or log in to their existing account. Once logged in, they can browse available plans, compare premiums and coverage options, and make their selections. The portal also provides resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their coverage.

What are the enrollment types available?

During the federal benefits open season, employees can choose from several enrollment types for their dental and vision insurance plans. These include Self Only, Self Plus One, and Self and Family. The Self Only option covers the employee alone, while the Self Plus One option covers the employee and one eligible family member. The Self and Family option provides coverage for the employee and all eligible family members. It is important to select the appropriate enrollment type to ensure that all necessary individuals are covered.

What are the Available Dental and Vision Plans for 2024?

Overview of FEDVIP dental plans

The FEDVIP dental plans for 2024 offer a variety of options to meet the diverse needs of federal employees and their families. These plans provide comprehensive dental coverage, including preventive care, basic and major services, and orthodontic treatment. Participants can choose from several carriers, each offering different levels of coverage and premiums. It is essential to compare the available plans to find the one that best fits individual needs and budget.

Overview of FEDVIP vision plans

The FEDVIP vision plans for 2024 also offer a range of options for federal employees and their families. These plans cover routine eye exams, prescription eyewear, contact lenses, and other vision-related services. Similar to the dental plans, participants can choose from multiple carriers, each providing different coverage levels and premium rates. Reviewing the available vision plans can help employees select the best option for their vision care needs.

Comparing premiums and coverage options

When selecting a dental or vision plan during the federal benefits open season, it is important to compare premiums and coverage options. Premiums vary based on the plan and coverage level selected, so employees should consider their budget and healthcare needs when making a decision. Additionally, reviewing the coverage options can help ensure that the chosen plan provides adequate benefits for preventive care, routine services, and any specialized treatments that may be needed.

How to Make Changes to Your Plan Outside of Open Season?

Qualifying life events that allow changes

While the federal benefits open season is the primary time for making changes to dental and vision insurance plans, certain qualifying life events (QLEs) allow for changes outside of this period. QLEs include events such as marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child, and loss of other insurance coverage. When a QLE occurs, employees have a limited time to make changes to their coverage to reflect their new circumstances.

How to submit an open season change request?

To submit a change request outside of the open season due to a qualifying life event, employees must provide documentation of the event and complete the necessary forms through the BENEFEDS portal or their agency’s human resources office. It is important to act promptly, as there are specific deadlines for submitting these requests. Ensuring that all required information is provided can help facilitate a smooth transition to the new coverage.

What are the deadlines for making changes?

The deadlines for making changes to dental and vision insurance plans outside of the open season vary depending on the qualifying life event. Generally, employees have 60 days from the date of the event to submit their change request. Missing this deadline may result in the inability to make changes until the next open season. It is crucial to be aware of these deadlines and act quickly to ensure continuous coverage.

Contacting BENEFEDS for assistance

If employees need assistance during the federal benefits open season, they can contact BENEFEDS for support. BENEFEDS provides customer service representatives who can answer questions, provide guidance on the enrollment process, and help resolve any issues that may arise. Employees can reach BENEFEDS by phone, email, or through the online portal, ensuring that they have access to the help they need to make informed decisions about their dental and vision insurance coverage.