Key Takeaways:
- Your Dental and Vision Coverage Won’t Change Under PSHB: You will continue to have access to dental and vision plans through FEDVIP, with routine services like cleanings and prescription eyewear remaining covered.
- Open Season Enrollment from November 11 – December 9, 2024: This is your opportunity to review and adjust your health plans, including PSHB and FEDVIP options, before the January 1, 2025, launch date.
No Changes to Your Dental and Vision Plans—Here’s What Postal Workers Can Still Count On
As USPS employees and retirees prepare for the transition to the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) program on January 1, 2025, there’s one thing you can count on: your dental and vision plans will stay exactly where they are. Under the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022, while medical insurance moves over to PSHB, dental and vision coverage remains under the familiar Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).
So, what does this mean for you? In short, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that your access to crucial dental and vision care won’t be disrupted. Let’s dig into the details to help you navigate the upcoming changes confidently and get a clear picture of what stays the same.
What Happens to Your Dental and Vision Coverage?
Here’s the good news: nothing changes with your dental and vision benefits under FEDVIP. USPS employees and retirees will continue to enjoy coverage for services like routine dental exams, cleanings, and even prescription eyewear, exactly as before. The Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Open Season, running from November 11 to December 9, 2024, is your time to double-check and make any adjustments you’d like, but the core of your dental and vision coverage remains solid.
This seamless transition means that, while your health insurance moves to the new PSHB program, you don’t have to worry about any hiccups with your dental and vision needs.
Why Are Dental and Vision Plans Staying the Same?
The shift from FEHB (Federal Employees Health Benefits) to the new PSHB program was designed to streamline and modernize health benefits for USPS employees, but the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 ensured that FEDVIP would remain intact. The primary focus of this reform is on medical coverage, meaning that dental and vision coverage, which already operates separately under FEDVIP, won’t be affected.
For many of us, regular dental checkups and eye care are routine parts of staying healthy. Knowing that these services are still available through FEDVIP, with no significant changes to the coverage, is a huge relief. If you’re already enrolled in FEDVIP, your coverage just keeps going—no need to worry about adjusting to new providers or coverage rules.
Understanding FEDVIP Coverage in 2025
One of the most common questions going into 2025 is: “Will there be any changes to premiums?” The answer is yes—but only slight ones. Dental premiums are set to increase by an average of 2.97%, while vision premiums will rise by just 0.87%. That’s a small increase, especially compared to other health care costs, and many employees will find that their current coverage will remain affordable and dependable.
How FEDVIP Works Alongside PSHB
With the launch of PSHB on January 1, 2025, you may wonder how your dental and vision plans fit into the new health benefits landscape. The good news is that your medical and dental/vision benefits will remain completely separate. FEDVIP continues to provide the dental and vision services you rely on, while PSHB will handle your medical coverage.
The beauty of this arrangement is that you won’t have to juggle new rules or processes for dental and vision care while adapting to the PSHB. The two programs will operate alongside each other, so you’ll still get access to the providers and services you’re used to under FEDVIP, even if your health insurance coverage shifts.
PSHB Open Season: Don’t Miss Your Opportunity
The PSHB Open Season, happening from November 11 to December 9, 2024, is your window of opportunity to ensure that both your medical and dental/vision benefits suit your needs. While your FEDVIP dental and vision plans remain unchanged, it’s still a good idea to take this time to review all your options.
During this Open Season, you’ll be automatically transitioned to a PSHB plan that closely mirrors your current FEHB coverage, but you can make changes if you feel the need. The same applies to your FEDVIP dental and vision plans. This is the moment to confirm that your coverage for 2025 is what you want and need.
What Services Can You Count On?
With no changes to your FEDVIP coverage, here are some of the key dental and vision services you’ll continue to access:
- Routine Dental Exams and Cleanings: Regular checkups and cleanings will still be covered, helping you maintain your oral health.
- Prescription Eyewear: If you need glasses or contacts, your FEDVIP vision plan will still cover a portion of the cost, helping you manage those expenses.
- Comprehensive Eye Exams: Vision care goes beyond eyewear, and your coverage includes comprehensive exams to ensure your eyes stay healthy.
It’s great to know that these services remain in place, especially since dental and vision care can be costly without insurance. FEDVIP’s consistent coverage will help you stay on top of your health, without any surprise out-of-pocket expenses.
Managing Costs: What You Need to Know
Even with the slight increases in FEDVIP premiums, your overall costs for dental and vision care in 2025 remain manageable. Whether you’re covering yourself or your entire family, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll continue to have access to these essential benefits.
Here’s what you can expect in terms of premium changes:
- Dental Premium Increase: 2.97%
- Vision Premium Increase: 0.87%
These increases are relatively small, especially when compared to broader trends in healthcare costs. And with PSHB offering options for medical savings (particularly for those enrolled in Medicare Part B), the comprehensive picture for USPS employees and retirees looks promising as we head into 2025.
Preparing for 2025: Steps to Take During Open Season
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you should do during the 2024 Open Season to ensure you’re all set for 2025:
- Review Your PSHB Plan Options: You’ll be automatically enrolled in a PSHB plan that closely matches your current FEHB coverage, but take this time to see if there’s a better fit for your needs.
- Check Your FEDVIP Coverage: Even though there are no big changes, it’s still a good idea to confirm that your current dental and vision coverage is meeting your needs and expectations.
- Make Adjustments if Necessary: If you’ve had changes in your health or family situation, Open Season is the perfect time to tweak your coverage.
- Stay Informed: The OPM plan comparison tool will be available during Open Season to help you evaluate all your options and make the best choices for you and your family.
Keep Smiling and Seeing Clearly—Your Coverage Stays Strong
Even with the upcoming transition to PSHB, you can rest easy knowing that your dental and vision plans will remain the same. The Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 ensured that while your health insurance may be shifting, you won’t have to worry about any disruptions to your FEDVIP benefits. With Open Season around the corner, now is the perfect time to review and ensure that both your medical and dental/vision needs are covered for 2025 and beyond.
