Glossary
FEDVIP
Optional dental and vision insurance retired military can buy through BENEFEDS — fills the dental/vision gap in Medicare and TFL.
Also known as: Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program
Quick answer
FEDVIP is the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program, open to military retirees, spouses, and survivors. You enroll through BENEFEDS.com during Federal Open Season (mid-November to mid-December).
Why it matters
Original Medicare and TFL don't cover routine dental or vision. FEDVIP plans fill that gap — and you pay group rates without medical underwriting.
When you'll encounter it
Federal Open Season each fall, or within 60 days of a qualifying life event.
Impact on Medicare
None.
Impact on TRICARE For Life
Adds dental/vision benefits TFL doesn't include.
Impact on Medicare Advantage
Many MA plans bundle dental and vision. If you have FEDVIP and MA dental, compare to avoid paying twice.
Common misconceptions
- "FEDVIP is free for retired military." — It's a paid program with monthly premiums. Group rates are still typically lower than individual plans.
Continue learning
— suggested by the knowledge graph- What is TRICARE For Life? The complete guide for retired militaryThe Medicare-wraparound benefit you earned through service — what it covers, who qualifies, what it costs, and how it activates.
- How Medicare and TRICARE For Life work togetherThe exact mechanics of who pays first, who pays second, and what you owe — for every common care scenario.
- Understanding Original Medicare (Parts A & B) for veteransExactly what Part A and Part B cover, what they cost in 2026, and why both are required to keep TRICARE For Life.
- Enrolling in Medicare: timing, methods, and the military-specific rulesWhen and how to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B — and the timing that protects your TRICARE For Life activation.
- Brand-Name DrugsFDA-approved drugs sold under a manufacturer's proprietary name — middle copay tier on the TRICARE formulary.
- Generic DrugsChemically identical, FDA-approved equivalents of brand-name drugs — the lowest copay tier under TRICARE Pharmacy.
- Non-Formulary DrugsDrugs not on the TRICARE preferred list — highest copay tier, often requires Medical Necessity approval.
- Non-Network PharmacyA civilian pharmacy that is NOT contracted with Express Scripts — highest cost and usually requires you to pay up front and file a claim.
- Pharmacy CopaymentsThe flat dollar amount a TFL beneficiary pays per prescription — varies by drug tier and access point.
- TRICARE Catastrophic CapThe annual limit on what a TRICARE family pays out-of-pocket for covered services — protecting TFL beneficiaries from runaway costs.
- TRICARE Home DeliveryTRICARE's mail-order pharmacy through Express Scripts — 90-day supplies of maintenance medications at the lowest retail-equivalent copay.
- TRICARE Retail Network PharmacyCivilian pharmacies (chains and independents) contracted with Express Scripts to fill TRICARE prescriptions at network copays.
- Who pays first, Medicare or TRICARE For Life?Medicare pays first for any service it covers. TFL pays second. The claim usually crosses over automatically — you should never pay out of pocket up front.
- How much does Medicare Part B cost?Most people pay the standard Part B premium (roughly $202.90/month in 2026). Higher-income retirees pay IRMAA on top. Lower-income retirees may qualify for help paying it.
- Is there an enrollment fee for TRICARE For Life?No. TFL has no enrollment fee and no monthly premium. The only premium you pay is for Medicare Part B.
- What does TRICARE For Life actually cover?TFL is a wraparound. For services Medicare and TFL both cover, TFL pays nearly all remaining cost-shares. For Medicare-only services, TFL still acts as secondary. For TFL-only services (very few), TFL pays as primary.
- Does TFL cover long-term care or a nursing home?No. Medicare and TFL only cover short-term skilled care after a qualifying hospital stay. Custodial long-term care (assisted living, nursing home for daily living help) isn't covered by either.
Related lessons
Related Official Resources
Continue learning straight from the source. Every link below goes to an official government or DoD resource.
Last reviewed January 2026 against the 2026 Medicare & You and TRICARE For Life handbooks.