TRICARE For Life, Premium-Based Plans: What to Do During Open Season

FALLS CHURCH, Virginia, Nov. 15 -- Defense Health Agency issued the following news release:

TRICARE Open Season is happening now. If you want to enroll in or change your TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select plan for 2019, you have until Dec. 10, 2018 to make an enrollment choice. If you have TRICARE For Life (TFL) or a premium-based plan and want to stay in your current plan, TRICARE Open Season doesn't apply to you. You'll stay in your current plan for 2019 or as long as you're eligible.

TRICARE For Life

TRICARE Open Season doesn't apply to TRICARE For Life because enrollment isn't required. Coverage is automatic if you have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. For more information about TFL, visit the TRICARE For Life page.

If you're in the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP), provided by Delta Dental, and want to have dental coverage in 2019, you must enroll in a plan during the Federal Benefits Open Season.

Premium-based Plans

TRICARE Open Season doesn't apply to premium-based plans. These plans offer continuous open enrollment throughout the year. The premium-based plans include:

* TRICARE Retired Reserve

* TRICARE Reserve Select

* TRICARE Young Adult

* Continued Health Care Benefit Program

Your dental coverage may be changing. If you're enrolled in the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program, provided by Delta Dental, your coverage will end on Dec. 31, 2018. If you use TRDP and want coverage in 2019, you must enroll in a plan during the Federal Benefits Open Season if you want coverage.

What About Dental and Vision Coverage?

Dental and vision insurance plans for retirees and their families will be available through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). The U.S. Office of Personnel Management offers FEDVIP. If you want FEDVIP dental or vision coverage in 2019, you must make a plan choice and enroll during the Federal Benefits Open Season. The last day to enroll in a FEDVIP plan is Dec. 10, 2018.

Keep updated on all of the upcoming TRICARE changes. For the latest on TRICARE, visit TRICARE Changes and TRICARE News. Take command of your health and visit the Open Season page for more information.