Military retirees will have four weeks to make a decision on their TRICARE health plan for 2019.
According to a release from Irwin Army Community Hospital the opportunity to make changes runs Nov. 12 – Dec. 10. Coverage begins on Jan. 1, 2019.
For the first time retirees will experience Open Season — a period when retirees can change their health plan or switch from individual to family coverage.
Benefits counselors from Irwin Army Community Hospital are hosting a series of community briefings on TRICARE changes and Open Season. Military retirees and their family members are invited to attend for an opportunity to ask questions. The briefings will be Nov. 3 at 10 a.m. at the Manhattan Public Library, Nov. 10 at noon at the Abilene Public Library, Nov. 17 at 10 a.m. at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library in Junction City, and Nov. 17 at noon at the Wakefield Community Center.
Outside of the Open Season, retirees will only be able to make changes within 90 days after a Qualifying Life Event such as getting married or divorced, having a baby or adopting, or children becoming adults.
The TRICARE Retiree Dental Program is ending Dec. 31. To continue dental coverage, retirees must enroll in one of 10 dental plans. Each plan’s details and premium rates are available at TRICARE.benefeds.com. Retirees will not be automatically enrolled into a dental plan. They must enroll during the Open Season.
Vision coverage will become available to military retirees and their family members who are enrolled in a TRICARE health plan. Beneficiaries will have four vision plans to choose from. Coverage is effective Jan. 1019, if they enroll during the Open Season. Retirees and their family members will not be automatically enrolled into a vision plan. Visit the TRICARE.benefeds.com site for details and premium rates of each plan.
Whether during TRICARE Open Season or following a Qualifying Life Event, retirees have three ways to make an enrollment choice. You can do so online at www.tricare-west.com, by telephone at 1-877-888-3337 or in person when you visit a benefits counselor at Irwin Army Community Hospital at Fort Riley.