Maximize Your Federal Employee Benefits and Savings
Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB), Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), and Medicare Advantage plans often include additional benefits designed to reduce healthcare-related expenses. Despite these offerings, many federal employees and retirees miss out on these savings due to either a lack of awareness or incomplete enrollment procedures.
Reviewing your plan's benefits could reveal significant cost-saving opportunities. Numerous FEHB plans in the Washington, D.C. area offer wellness incentives, where members receive financial rewards for participating in health activities like assessments, checkups, and vaccinations. These rewards might be accessible through a wellness card similar to a Flexible Spending Account card or be applied to your deductible, Health Reimbursement Arrangement, or Health Savings Account. Typically, both an enrollee and their spouse can qualify, potentially doubling household savings.
In addition to wellness incentives, various FEHB plans provide discounted gym memberships through national fitness networks. Providers like Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), CareFirst, and others offer these perks. Kaiser Permanente extends free gym access via its Open Pass Select, while the Prosper plan offers reimbursements of up to $500 for gym usage.
Beyond fitness-related advantages, plans offer other discounts. These include savings on eyewear, massages, acupuncture, supplements, weight programs, prescriptions, hearing aids, and leisure activities. Some plans also feature discounted dental insurance, necessitating separate premiums. It's crucial to verify if your dentist is in-network to optimize these benefits.
CareFirst's Smart Shopper Program, available in specific D.C. area plans, allows members to compare treatment costs online. Choosing more affordable options can earn a financial reward, accessible via a medical expense debit card for qualified healthcare costs.
FEDVIP plans frequently offer supplemental benefits, encompassing discounts on LASIK, and savings on travel, entertainment, identity protection, and pet insurance. Medicare Advantage plans often include dental, vision, and hearing aid coverage, usually limited to certain providers and preventive services.
For detailed information on these supplemental benefits, refer to plan brochures or the carrier's website. FEHB brochures typically outline these features in Section 5(g), while FEDVIP and Medicare Advantage details are listed in their respective brochures or online. Consulting official documents and ensuring proper enrollment could unlock these savings. Kevin Moss, a senior editor with Consumers’ Checkbook, emphasizes the importance of utilizing these resources and welcomes inquiries to address specific FEHB concerns.