Open enrollment for 2026 Tricare and FEDVIP coverage are under way. Neither open enrollment period was delayed during the government shutdown, officials told Military.com.
The Federal Employee Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) allows military retirees to purchase dental coverage and active-duty families and those enrolled in Tricare Reserve Select to purchase vision coverage. Its open enrollment period, or open season, is Nov. 10-Dec. 8.
Tricare's monthlong open enrollment is one day longer, scheduled for Nov. 10-Dec. 9. During open enrollment, beneficiaries may make changes to their Tricare coverage for the upcoming year. Tricare users who want to keep the same coverage don’t need to do anything during open enrollment.
These Current FEDVIP Users Need to Take Action
Beneficiaries don't need to take any action who are already enrolled in FEDVIP and don't want to change their plan. However, certain members don't have a choice in 2026 because their carrier is leaving the program.
All enrollments in HealthPartners Dental will end Dec. 31, 2025, so current enrollees with that carrier must choose a new one during open enrollment.
Direct Bill and Automatic Premium Payments Unaffected
The Office of Personnel Management said beneficiaries don't need to do anything about making up payments.
Payments made through direct billing or automatic bank withdrawal were not affected; and OPM will "work directly" with payroll providers to collect missed deductions.
Effects of the Shutdown
During the shutdown, the Defense Health Agency announced that some Tricare services were suspended or might be delayed during the shutdown, including the potential for delayed or cancelled outpatient appointments at military hospitals.
The agency, which administers Tricare, published a tracker to communicate service delays or interruptions, but the page was no longer available as of Nov. 21.
As of Oct. 22, for inpatient services including surgeries, the agency reported: “No changes for now. Contact your provider to confirm any procedures you have scheduled.”
But the shutdown had affected Tricare’s ability to pay claims; the Tricare Prime Travel Benefit, which reimburses Prime members for certain travel costs to reach a provider; administrative actions such as appeals and other determinations; and potentially outpatient appointments and pharmacy hours at military hospitals.
Claims: “Tricare may not be able to process or pay medical claims for services received on or after Oct. 1, 2025, until funding is restored,” according to the tracker.
Tricare Prime Travel Benefit: “Not available. If you must travel for care, save your receipts, and you may file for reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses for a qualified trip.”
Administrative actions: “Government administrative actions” such as “appeals, line of duty determinations, and grievances, may be delayed or paused due to staffing levels.”
Military hospital outpatient visits, including for labs and for primary and specialty appointments: “There may be changes in hours or services. Your hospital or clinic will contact you if they must cancel an appointment. Contact your military hospital or clinic to confirm sick call or walk-in clinic hours.”
How to Change Tricare Coverage During Open Enrollment
Tricare beneficiaries may enroll in a Tricare plan or change their plan during open enrollment in one of the following ways:
- Online at MilConnect, milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/.
- By calling their Tricare regional contractor.
- By mailing or faxing an enrollment form provided during open enrollment.
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