Time to Gear up for the 2014 Open Season
Flexible Spending, FEHB and FEDVIP
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has just announced that the 2014 open season will take place starting Monday-November 10, 2014 through Monday – December 8, 2014. This is the time to start thinking about your Flexible Spending Account, FEHB and FEDVIP. Flexible Spending Accounts require an annual reenrollment. If you are satisfied with your Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) plan and no significant changes/life events have taken place, then there is no action needed on your part. However, if there are changes or you just want to try another plan – then action is required.
Even if you make no changes, use the open season schedule as a time to just check on things. Do I have everything in place just the way I want? Does the plan I have really answer my health care needs and those of my family? Although many dental and vision plans fail to do as much as we desire, it is certainly more advantageous to have a plan than not at all.
My dental plan allows $1500.00 per year and that can really take the edge off of expensive dental bills. The cost of dental care carries a hefty price tag. I had a root canal done and was fitted for a porcelain crown. I could not believe the cost. I had to call the dental accounts manager back and go over the services and associated charges because I was so baffled by the cost. The cost was over $3,000. It is still mind-boggling to me. With prices like that, it is certainly worth it to hang on to your dental insurance.
The FEDVIP vision plan is even better. I don’t use the vision except for an occasional pair of prescription reading glasses. The vision plan covers pretty much everything. I don’t like driving and especially night driving. I simply cannot see how to drive at night and don’t mention an unfamiliar place. My doctor on one of my annual visits, recommended distance driving glasses. They are wonderful and make driving a pleasure. I still don’t like driving and try to avoid it as much as I can.
Stay tuned for Open Season and make sure you are examining your profile and putting the things in place you need to enhance your life.
P. S. Always Remember to Share What You Know.
RELATED TOPICS – More Federal and Postal Insurance Information
Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI)
Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB)
Federal Flexible Spending Account (FSAFEDS)
Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP)
Federal Employees and Medicare
Federal Employee Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)
