BENEFEDS how-to for retirees: enroll or change FEDVIP this Open Season
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Last updated
Published November 1, 2026 · By the OnPAR Federal Retirement Education editorial team · Last reviewed Nov 2026
Short answer: BENEFEDS (benefeds.gov) is the official enrollment site for FEDVIP dental and vision. As a retiree, you use it during Open Season, November 9 to December 14, 2026, to enroll, switch plans, change who's covered or cancel. Sign in with Login.gov, compare plans, then make your change. Changes take effect January 1, 2027. If you do nothing, your current plan continues (BENEFEDS, OPM).
BENEFEDS is not for FEHB or PSHB health plans. Retirees change health plans through OPM Retirement Services Online, not BENEFEDS. See our FEHB Open Season guide.
Before you start
- A Login.gov account. BENEFEDS says Login.gov has replaced its old sign-in (BENEFEDS).
- Your OPM claim number (CSA or CSF). It's on your 1099-R and annuity statements (OPM).
- Names, birth dates and Social Security numbers of the family members you want to cover.
- Your current dentist and eye doctor, so you can check networks.
Step by step during Open Season
1. Compare plans. Use the BENEFEDS FEDVIP Plan Compare Tool to filter plans and view up to three dental or vision plans side by side (BENEFEDS).
2. Check costs for a planned procedure. The new Compare Dental Service Costs tool estimates in-network costs for common procedures. You must be signed in to use it (BENEFEDS; OPM says it covers 75 common procedures, Open Season Highlights).
3. Check providers. Each carrier's provider search is linked from the Carriers and Plan Options section of BENEFEDS.
4. Sign in to My BENEFEDS and choose enroll, change or cancel.
5. Pick an enrollment type: Self Only, Self Plus One or Self and Family.
6. Submit before 11:59 pm Eastern on Monday, December 14, 2026 (OPM), and save your confirmation.
7. In January, check your annuity statement for the new premium.
Prefer the phone? Call BENEFEDS at 1-877-888-3337.
Rules retirees should know
- You can enroll for the first time as a retiree if you retired on an immediate annuity or for disability. You don't need FEHB, and there's no 5-year rule. Details: FEDVIP for retirees.
- Retirement is not a qualifying life event. You can't enroll, cancel or change FEDVIP outside Open Season just because you retired (BENEFEDS).
- Just retired? Your FEDVIP continues automatically. While OPM processes your annuity, BENEFEDS sends direct bills, and you must pay them or your coverage can be canceled. Once your annuity is final, past-due premiums are collected through double deductions (BENEFEDS).
- Children are covered until age 22 for federal civilians, unless they can't support themselves. This is different from FEHB (BENEFEDS).
- Premiums are post-tax and monthly for retirees (OPM FAQ).
- 2027 averages: OPM says dental premiums rise 1.0% and vision 1.6% on average. Check your own plan (Open Season Highlights).
Need help?
BENEFEDS runs webinars and a 2026 Virtual Benefits Fair during Open Season, where you can talk to carriers (BENEFEDS). Use our retiree Open Season checklist to cover health, dental and vision in one pass.
Questions and answers
What is BENEFEDS used for?
BENEFEDS is the official enrollment site for FEDVIP dental and vision. FEHB and PSHB health plan changes for retirees are not made on BENEFEDS.
How do I sign in to BENEFEDS?
BENEFEDS says Login.gov has replaced its old sign-in for My BENEFEDS accounts.
When is the BENEFEDS Open Season deadline?
OPM says Open Season ends at 11:59 pm Eastern Time on Monday, December 14, 2026; changes take effect January 1, 2027.
Can I change FEDVIP because I retired?
No. BENEFEDS says retirement is not a qualifying life event, so changes must wait for Open Season.
Why did I get a bill from BENEFEDS after retiring?
BENEFEDS sends direct bills while OPM finalizes your annuity. You must pay them to keep coverage.