It’s Time to Research Tricare Options, Open Enrollment to Begin

It’s Time to Research Tricare Options, Open Enrollment to Begin

It is now time to begin to think about all the health care options for 2022. TRICARE open season runs through Monday, Dec. 13.

Open season is available if you are enrolled in or eligible for TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select. For coverage that starts on Jan. 1, 2022, you can enroll in a health plan or change your health plan. 

According to Elan Green, chief of TRICARE Health Plan's Member Benefits and Reimbursement Section, the open season should be taken seriously each year. "This could be your only chance to influence the health plan options for you and your family all year," she said.

If you are enrolled in or eligible for TRICARE Prime, U.S. Family Health Plan (USFHP), or TRICARE Select, open season applies to you.

However, it does not apply to active duty service members. The open season does not apply to the four premium-based health plans: TRICARE Reserve Select, TRICARE Retired Reserve, TRICARE Young Adult and Continued Health Care Benefit Program.

Not sure what TRICARE plans you may be eligible for? Use the TRICARE Plan Finder.
If you qualify for TRICARE open season, you have three choices:

If one wishes to be in the current TRICARE health plan, you do not need to take any action. You'll remain enrolled in your current health plan until 2022 or until you're no longer eligible.

Change plans: If you’re enrolled in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select, you can change plans. If you're eligible for TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select but not enrolled, you can register now.

TRICARE Compare Plans Tool lets you compare health plans. 

With the TRICARE Compare Costs Tool, you can also look up the costs for each plan. Select the program you're interested in and answer a few questions about yourself. Prices are changing in 2022, so even if you're already enrolled, you should review your plan's costs. Find out what health plans will cost in 2022.

The FEDVIP covers dental and vision care for federal employees. In addition, the Federal Benefits open season began Nov. 8. FEDVIP dental and vision plans are separate, so you may not be eligible for botYou must be enrolled in a TRICARE health plan or qualify for TFL coverage to be eligible for FEDVIP. 

FEDVIP vision coverage may be available to the following individuals:

Members of the National Guard and Reserves and their families
Any retired Army veterans along with their families. 
TRICARE For Life recipients

The following individuals may be eligible for FEDVIP dental coverage:

Families of retired service members
Members of the National Guard and Reserves who have retired and their families
TRICARE For Life recipients

At BENEFEDS, you can learn more about eligibility and your FEDVIP options. If you already have a FEDVIP plan and don't want to change it, you don't need to take action during the open season. Your coverage will remain in place in 2022. 

Check that the DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System) has your family's current information before making any changes to your health care plan during open season. DEERS could prevent you from using your TRICARE benefit if you don't show as eligible for TRICARE or provide incorrect information.

The open season ends on Dec. 13, so only a few days remain. Act now! Examine your current plan, consider your coverage options for 2022, and ensure that you and your family choose the right health care plan for you.