Military dependents and retirees and their families should check out the 2020 Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) plans and rates.

The FEDVIP program offers vision insurance to military dependents, retirees and their families, as well as dental insurance for retirees and their families.

For 2020, FEDVIP offers 10 dental and four vision carriers to choose from.

Information about the 2020 plans is now available online. You can research the costs and coverage of all the different plans as well as compare the different levels of coverage available for your location.

If you’re currently enrolled in a FEDVIP plan and don't want to make any changes to your coverage, there is nothing you need to do to remain in your current plan. Your coverage will remain the same in the upcoming year.

But it's still a good idea to check out all the available options you have in case the plan or your personal situation has changed over the past year, or you are anticipating any changes to your coverage in the upcoming year.

For 2020 dental premiums will increase 5.6% on average, while vision premiums will increase 1.5% on average over the current year's prices.

During open season, which runs from Nov. 11 - Dec. 9, 2019, you can enroll in a new FEDVIP plan or change your coverage. Any changes you make to your coverage during open season will be effective for 2020, starting Jan. 1. There are several different companies that offer both vision and dental coverage, and most plans have different levels of coverage.

Outside of open season you can only make changes to your FEDVIP coverage if you have a Qualifying Life Event such as moving to a new area or changing your number of dependents.

Tricare open enrollment also runs during the same dates.

By Jim Absher