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There are a few improvements in this program that I would hope will
eventually extend to our FEHB plans. Primarily, the FEDVIP Plans offer three
rate options, Self, Self + 1, and Self & Family. This has been long overdue and
it benefits those empty nesters who previously had to pay high Family option
premiums to cover the employee and a spouse. The monthly costs seem reasonable,
maybe because I live in rating area #1 which offers the lowest premiums. Look
over your options closely and compare plans.
You must use BENEFEDS to enroll or change enrollment in a FEDVIP plan.
BENEFEDS is a secure enrollment website (www.BENEFEDS.com)
sponsored by OPM. If you do not have access to a computer, call
1-877-888-FEDS (1-877-888-3337), TTY number 1-877-889-5680 to enroll or
change your enrollment.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) awarded contracts to insurance
carriers that will offer supplemental dental and vision benefits under the new
Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program. OPM selected the
following companies to provide these services:
| Dental |
Vision |
| Aetna Life Insurance Company |
BlueCross BlueShield Association |
| Government Employees Health
Association, Inc. (GEHA) |
United Health Care |
| MetLife Inc. |
Vision Service Plan (VSP) |
| United Concordia Companies, Inc. |
|
| Group Health, Inc. |
|
| Humana/Comp Benefits |
|
| Triple-S Salud, Inc. |
|
Dental plans provide a comprehensive range of services, including but not
limited to the following:
- Class A (Basic) services, which include oral
examinations, prophylaxis, diagnostic evaluations, sealants and x-rays.
- Class B (Intermediate) services, which include
restorative procedures such as fillings, prefabricated stainless steel
crowns, periodontal scaling, tooth extractions, and denture adjustments.
- Class C (Major) services, which include endodontic
services such as root canals, periodontal services such as gingivectomy,
major restorative services such as crowns, oral surgery, bridges and
prosthodontic services such as complete dentures.
- Class D (Orthodontic) services.
The new program becomes effective on December 31 and gives federal employees
additional healthcare choices. Employees may enroll for dental benefits, vision
benefits or both.
The program allows employees to use pre-tax dollars to pay for their vision
and dental premiums. However, as specified by law, there is no federal
government contribution.
The Federal Employees Dental and Vision Benefits Enhancement Act of 2004 was
signed into law by President Bush on December 23, 2004. The Act requires OPM to
establish arrangements under which supplemental dental and vision benefits will
be made available to federal employees, retirees, and their dependents, and it
gives OPM broad contracting authority to leverage the purchasing power of
federal enrollees.
Dental rates for those living in the United States are determined based on
where you live. This is called a rating area. To find your bi-weekly or monthly
Dental premium, you must first find your rating area on the charts at the OPM
web site. You can view
2011 dental rates for all areas online. The OPM site offers complete
information on programs, prices and carriers. Rates
for the dental program range from as little as $8.58 per month (rating area 1)
under a standard plan for self only to as high as $141.68 per month (rating area
5) under a high plan for self and family.
Vision Rates are not based on where you live and the chart that follows is
excerpted from the OPM web site. Retirees would pay a monthly rate that various
anywhere from as little as 6.63 for the standard plan (self only) to as high as
$37.74 for the High Option Plan (Self & Family).
If you have questions, contact OPM at
fedvip@opm.gov or call them at (202)606-0745.
For questions regarding the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance
Program, please contact the customer service representatives at 1(866)
639-3917.
My wife and I elected Metlife Dental and Blue Cross Blue Shield eye
care. Metlife picks up our dental preventative care deductibles and pays a
significant portion of other procedure costs. The eye care is also excellent, I
am able to get annual checkups and a new pair of glasses once a year as needed
and they pay 100% of the cost for standard frames and lenses for new
prescriptions. My last pair of glasses cost me $90 because I wanted the best
progressive bifocals they have. Prior to having this insurance I would often pay
over $300 for each new pair of eyeglasses.
We are very satisfied with our coverage and the cost is very reasonable at
just over $50 a month for Dental and $10 a month for eye care.
Dennis V. Damp, Retired FAA
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