Step 1 — Confirm eligibility
FEDVIP dental is open to retired uniformed service members, eligible family members, and survivors enrolled in a TRICARE health plan — including TRICARE For Life. FEDVIP vision requires TRICARE enrollment as well. Active duty members are not eligible.
Step 2 — Know the enrollment window
Federal Benefits Open Season
Mid-November through mid-December each year. Coverage starts January 1.
Outside Open Season you can only enroll within 60 days of a Qualifying Life Event — retirement from active duty, marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or loss of other dental/vision coverage.
Step 3 — Enroll on BENEFEDS
- Go to BENEFEDS.com — the only official enrollment site. Do not pay a third-party 'enrollment service.'
- Create an account and verify your TRICARE eligibility (you may need your DoD ID number).
- Enter your ZIP code to see dental and vision carriers available in your area.
- Compare premiums, annual maximums, in-network providers, and frame/contact allowances.
- Choose self-only, self plus one, or self and family. Submit your election.
- Premiums are deducted from your retired pay or paid by automatic bank withdrawal.
FEDVIP vs. veteran Medicare Advantage
FEDVIP is a stand-alone dental and vision benefit you pay monthly for. A veteran-focused Medicare Advantage plan often bundles dental, vision, AND hearing with a $0 plan premium and a monthly Part B reduction — while TRICARE For Life stays in place as secondary. For many retirees this is a stronger total package than FEDVIP alone. The right answer depends on your ZIP code, the carriers available, and your dental needs.