Key Takeaways

• The Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program does not replace or cancel your dental and vision coverage under FEDVIP.

• You must still enroll in FEDVIP separately, just like you did under the FEHB system.

Understanding the PSHB Program and What It Changes

In 2025, the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program officially replaces the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program for USPS employees, retirees, and their eligible family members. This transition was mandated by the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 and is now fully implemented.

PSHB is specifically designed for the USPS workforce. While it alters how your health insurance works, especially regarding Medicare integration, it does not eliminate your existing benefits. One of the most common concerns right now is whether PSHB will cancel your vision or dental coverage. The answer is clear: it won’t.

Vision and Dental Coverage Remains Under FEDVIP

Your vision and dental insurance are provided separately through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). This program is not tied to FEHB or PSHB and continues independently. Here’s what you need to know:

• FEDVIP is optional: You must elect coverage during Open Season or following a qualifying life event.

• Separate enrollment required: Enrolling in PSHB does not automatically enroll you in FEDVIP.

• Administered by BENEFEDS: All FEDVIP plan selection, premium payments, and eligibility remain handled through the BENEFEDS portal.

In short, nothing about PSHB removes or alters your FEDVIP eligibility.

Who Can Enroll in FEDVIP in 2025?

The eligibility rules for FEDVIP remain the same in 2025. You’re eligible if you are:

• A USPS employee eligible for PSHB benefits

• A USPS retiree entitled to PSHB benefits

• A family member of a PSHB enrollee who meets dependency criteria

It’s important to remember that while PSHB takes over your primary health insurance, vision and dental remain separate. If you’re retiring in 2025, you can carry FEDVIP into retirement, just as before.

What About Automatic Enrollment?

There’s been some confusion about whether FEDVIP coverage automatically carries over under PSHB. Here’s how it works:

• If you are already enrolled in FEDVIP, your coverage continues without interruption.

• If you want to make changes to your dental or vision plan, you must do so during Open Season, which runs from mid-November to mid-December.

• You can also make changes following a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) such as marriage, birth, or loss of other coverage.

There is no auto-enrollment into FEDVIP if you were not previously enrolled.

What Happens to Your Premiums?

FEDVIP premiums are paid separately from your PSHB premiums. These premiums:

• Are deducted from your paycheck or annuity.

• Are not impacted by your PSHB enrollment status.

• May change annually, so it’s essential to review plans each Open Season.

For annuitants, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) continues to oversee deductions from your retirement annuity for FEDVIP.

How PSHB and FEDVIP Work Together

PSHB is your medical insurance, covering:

• Doctor visits

• Hospital care

• Prescription drugs

• Preventive services

FEDVIP provides your supplemental coverage, such as:

• Routine eye exams and glasses/contact lenses

• Dental cleanings, x-rays, and orthodontia

Because PSHB does not include dental or vision coverage, the two programs complement each other. If you want full coverage for your healthcare needs, maintaining both PSHB and FEDVIP is typically the best option.

Special Considerations for Medicare-Eligible Retirees

Many retirees are entering 2025 with new questions about how Medicare works with PSHB and FEDVIP. Here’s a breakdown:

• Medicare Part B is now required for some annuitants and eligible family members to maintain PSHB enrollment unless exempt.

• FEDVIP is unaffected by Medicare status. Your dental and vision benefits do not coordinate with Medicare.

• Prescription drug benefits under PSHB now include Medicare Part D EGWP integration, but again, FEDVIP remains unchanged.

You do not need to enroll in Medicare to keep FEDVIP coverage. The two operate independently.

What If You Missed Open Season?

If you missed the Open Season for FEDVIP:

• You must wait until the next Open Season, unless you qualify for a QLE.

• There is no automatic enrollment in FEDVIP even if you’re newly enrolled in PSHB.

• Missing the enrollment window means you won’t have dental or vision coverage unless already enrolled.

To ensure continuity, mark the Open Season dates each year and confirm your elections.

Common Misunderstandings About PSHB and Vision/Dental

A few myths still float around when it comes to this transition. Let’s clear them up:

• “PSHB includes dental and vision now.” Incorrect. It does not include either benefit.

• “You’re automatically dropped from FEDVIP if you switch to PSHB.” Also false. Your FEDVIP coverage remains unless you cancel it.

• “Medicare now covers dental and vision for PSHB retirees.” Not true. While some limited dental services may be covered under Medicare Part B (like jaw surgery), routine dental and vision services are only covered under FEDVIP.

You Still Have Choices

The transition to PSHB does not restrict your options for dental and vision coverage. In fact, you still have full access to:

• A wide range of dental and vision plans under FEDVIP

• Different levels of coverage to suit your needs

• The flexibility to change or drop plans during Open Season or QLEs

Nothing about the PSHB transition should make you feel like your benefits are shrinking. You still have comprehensive options—just be sure to actively manage your enrollments.

Timelines to Keep in Mind in 2025

Here are the key timelines you should be aware of:

• January 1, 2025: PSHB coverage begins for those who enrolled during the previous Open Season.

• Mid-November to Mid-December 2025: Next Open Season window for PSHB and FEDVIP plan changes.

• Throughout 2025: Qualifying Life Events allow changes to FEDVIP outside Open Season.

• Ongoing: Medicare Part B enrollment is required for certain annuitants to retain PSHB coverage. Exemptions still apply.

Staying on top of these dates helps ensure you don’t lose any important benefits.

Don’t Wait—Stay Informed and Prepared

As a USPS employee or retiree, your benefits matter more than ever in 2025. With PSHB now active, it’s natural to have questions about what’s changed. But you can rest easy knowing that your dental and vision coverage through FEDVIP remains completely intact.

What’s important is staying informed:

• Review your FEDVIP and PSHB options annually

• Don’t assume your benefits will adjust automatically

• Use official tools like BENEFEDS to manage elections

If you’re unsure about anything related to your dental or vision benefits under PSHB, reach out to a licensed agent listed on this website for professional advice tailored to your situation.