Every year from mid-November to mid-December, federal health insurance plans offer open enrollment, also known as open season. This open season gives beneficiaries enrolled in these insurance plans a chance to make changes to their annual contracted coverage.
The open season for 2026 coverage is midnight EST Nov. 10-Dec. 8, 2025.
During open season, military retirees, active-duty family members and those enrolled in Tricare Reserve Select may purchase or make changes to their dental and vision insurance through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).
FEDVIP allows military retirees to purchase dental coverage and active-duty families, and those enrolled in Tricare Reserve Select, to purchase vision coverage.
Tricare also offers an open season about the same time, when those covered by the military insurance plan are eligible to change their coverage.
Outside of open season, you can make health insurance changes only if you experience a qualifying life event such as moving to a new area or changing your number of dependents.
FEDVIP in 2026
In 2026, military families and retirees may choose from between 11 dental and five vision insurance carriers, depending on their location. Carriers usually offer both standard- and high-coverage plans, giving beneficiaries numerous options. Most plans have different reimbursement levels as well as coverage options available for single, married with one dependent, or family coverage levels.
FEDVIP's monthly dental and vision premiums will increase an average of 3.3% (dental) and 0.5% (vision) for 2026, according to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which administers the federal insurance programs.
The office posted the 2026 plans Oct. 9 and updated the BENEFEDS plan comparison tool.
FEDVIP features 11 dental plan providers (HealthPartners Dental was dropped for 2026) and five vision plan providers.
Enrollees who had HealthPartners Dental in 2025 must make a new election for 2026. Otherwise, if you're currently enrolled in a FEDVIP plan and don't want to make any changes to your coverage, there is nothing you need to do to remain in your current plan. Your coverage will remain the same in the upcoming year.
You can compare available plans on the Federal Benefits Enrollment portal, BENEFEDS.
To learn more about how VSP® Vision Care can help you prioritize your overall health and access quality eye care, visit choosevsp.com.
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