Page 67 - The Informed Fed--Hearn (edited 10.29.20)

As you can see in this table, it’s possible to pay much higher expenses
in a standard level plan than the high-deductible health plan, especially if
you have to meet the full deductible in each plan.

Dental and Vision

In 2006, the federal government added separate dental and vision
benefits to your health benefit offerings. Some health plans include a
small provision for dental coverage, but it is usually limited so you might
want to have additional coverage. The coverage is available to all current
and retired federal employees through FEDVIP. It is offered on a group
basis which reduces the cost of the premiums, but the government does
not subsidize any portion of the premium. One of the issues with the
FEHB is that you must choose between self or family coverage. If you
are married with no children, you pay the same amount as the co-worker
who is married with four children. The dental and vision programs allow
you to choose between self only, self + one, and self + family to make
the premiums fairer. As in the health plans, pre-existing conditions are
covered, although you’ll want to check the limitations for things like
orthodontics, crowns and bridge work. You also get to pay your
premiums with pre-tax dollars just like your health insurance. You can
choose dental only, vision only, both, or neither. NOTE: You do not
have to be enrolled in the FEHB to participate, although you must be
eligible for the FEHB.
The dental and vision coverage are the secondary payers if you have
coverage under your FEHB. An example is, if available your health
coverage would pay first, then your FEDVIP coverage. Then if you’re
enrolled in the FSA, you could use those funds to pay any remaining
amounts due. When comparing dental benefits, you’re looking to find
the best coverage that, used in combination with your health coverage
and FSA, will provide the most benefit for you and your family.

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