The Federal Advantage Plan
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Federal Advantage Plan?

The CompBenefits Federal Advantage Plan is designed exclusively for federal employees and annuitants. It's a network-based dental plan that's unmatched in its easy to use benefits.

How does the plan differ from other dental plans?

The Federal Advantage Plan is the perfect blend of easy to understand benefits, so it's easy to be confident you're making the right choice. Important features of the plan are:

• No deductibles and $0 co-payment for preventive care.
• No annual or lifetime benefit maximums.
• All costs are listed on your Benefits Schedule.
• You can see any network dentist or specialist at any time. There are no referrals.
• And braces, too.

What is CompBenefits?

CompBenefits is an insurance company that has been selected by OPM to provide the Advantage plan as a dental insurance program for federal employees and annuitants. CompBenefits has almost 2.5 million members today and has designed the unique, affordable dental Advantage plan specifically for the federal population.

How do I enroll in the plan?

You must use BENEFEDS to enroll or change enrollment in the CompBenefits Advantage Plan. BENEFEDS is a secure enrollment website (www.BENEFEDS.com) sponsored by OPM. To enroll simply enter your name, personal information such as your address and Social Security Number, the agency you work for (or retirement system that pays your annuity), and select the CompBenefits Advantage Plan. If you do not have access to a computer, call 1-877-888-FEDS (1-877-888-3337), TTY number 1-877-889-5680, to enroll or change your enrollment.

Note: You cannot enroll in a FEDVIP plan using the Health Benefits Election Form (SF 2809) or through an agency self-service system, such as Employee Express, PostalEase, EBIS, MyPay, or Employee Personal Page. However, those sites may provide a link to BENEFEDS.

When is my dental plan effective?

The CompBenefits Dental Advantage Plan for federal employees and annuitants is effective on December 31, 2006.

How does the Advantage Plan work?

The Advantage Plan features a Benefits Schedule that lists a co-payment for each dental procedure. You know exactly how much your dental services will cost. There are no deductibles and no annual or lifetime maximums. You are free to use any Advantage network dentist at any time, including specialists!

How do I select a dentist?

The CompBenefits Federal Advantage Plan does not require that you pick a dentist in advance. You can see any participating dentist at any time. For a list of current Advantage network dentists please go to the Dentist Locator.

What if I want to change dentists?

You can go to any of the Advantage network dentists at any time. All you have to do is look at the list of Advantage network dentists and make an appointment with the one you think will be best for you. For a list of current Advantage network dentists please go to the Dentist Locator.

How do I make an appointment with my dentist?

Making an appointment is easy. All you have to do is look at the list of Advantage network dentists and make an appointment with the one you think will be best for you. For a list of current Advantage network dentists please go to the Dentist Locator.

How do I know if my dentist is in the network?

You can always look at an up-to-date list of the Advantage network dentists by going to the Dentist Locator.

What do I do if I need specialist care?

The CompBenefits Advantage Plan includes coverage for specialty care. You can go to any one of the Advantage Network Specialists in this affordable plan. You use the plan the same way for both general dental services and specialty care. There's no referral required, and you'll know in advance the cost of all the procedures listed on your Benefits Schedule. There is no lifetime or annual maximum, so even if you need complex work your coverage does not run out.

How much will this plan cost; what will my premium be?

The CompBenefits Advantage Plan for federal employees and annuitants is an affordable dental insurance plan. The premiums that will be deducted from your paycheck vary based on where you are located and how often you are paid. Go to the Premium Calculator to see exactly what your premiums will be.

Who is responsible for filing dental claims with CompBenefits?

One of the many advantages to being a member of the CompBenefits Federal Advantage Plan is that you do not file any claims. You pay the amount listed in the Benefits Schedule for the specific procedures you need done. In addition to no claim forms, the Advantage Plan has no annual or lifetime benefit maximums, so if you need more dental care than you expected, your CompBenefits Plan will not stop providing coverage.

What do I do if I have a dental emergency?

CompBenefits believes that your Advantage Network dentist will be the person most qualified to help you in an emergency, but if you are far from home, and an Advantage network dentist is not available, you can get emergency care for pain relief right away. You can then see your CompBenefits Advantage network dentist when you return home.

Do I have coverage if I go out of the state?

CompBenefits' dental members can go to any participating Advantage dentist. Remember, the Advantage Plan has no annual or lifetime benefit maximums, so there's no worry about coverage running out. Your co-payments at the dentist's office are the same in every state, no matter which Advantage network dentist or specialist you choose. For a list of current Advantage network dentists please go to the Dentist Locator.

Do I have coverage if I go out of the country?

If you are outside the United States you can get emergency care for pain relief right away. You can then see your CompBenefits Advantage network dentist when you return home. There are no Advantage network dentists practicing outside of the continental United States.

Are my dependents eligible?

When you enroll in the CompBenefits Federal Advantage you will be given the option to include family members. The Advantage Plan has no deductibles and no annual or lifetime benefit maximums. Those are all-important features for families in which the out-of-pocket expense of dental care can grow quickly.

Are pre-existing conditions covered?

The CompBenefits Advantage Plan covers pre-existing conditions and has no annual or lifetime benefit maximums. In addition, with the CompBenefits Advantage Plan you can see a list of what you will pay for each dental procedure, so you can get an idea of how much money you will save when you enroll in this affordable plan. You can review the list of procedures by going to the Benefits Schedule.

Will this plan coordinate with other dental coverage?

If dental coverage is included in your FEHB medical plan, or if you have other dental coverage, you can use that plan with the CompBenefits Advantage plan. You simply go to an Advantage plan dentist and let them know you have the two plans. The Advantage plan includes preventive and diagnostic procedures at no charge. In addition, the affordable CompBenefits Advantage plan has no annual or lifetime benefit maximums and you can go to any Advantage network dentist at any time.

Do I have to enroll in a medical plan to get dental benefits?

All eligible Federal Employees and annuitants can purchase the CompBenefits Advantage Plan for dental coverage. There is no requirement that you enroll in other FEHB sponsored plans. In order to enroll in the CompBenefits Dental Advantage Plan you must sign up for the plan at www.BENEFEDS.com.

If I do not enroll now, will I have a chance to enroll in a dental benefits plan in the future?

If you are eligible now, you should sign up for the CompBenefits Federal Advantage plan during Open Season, which runs from November 12th through December 10th of this year. If you have a life status change that would cause you to adjust your coverage, like getting married or having a child, you will have the opportunity to alter your coverage within 60 days of that status change.

Will I receive dental identification cards from CompBenefits?

Yes, an identification card is included in your Welcome Packet when you enroll in the CompBenefits Advantage plan. The packet also includes instructions about how to use your new Advantage Plan. People enrolled in the Advantage Plan know exactly how much they'll pay for each dental procedure, because it is listed on the Benefits Schedule. There are no lifetime or annual benefit maximums with the Advantage Plan, so you don't have to worry about coverage running out before your dental care is complete. With the CompBenefits plan you can go to any dentist in the Advantage network at any time.

Can I add family members during the contract year?

If you are eligible now, you should sign up for the CompBenefits Federal Advantage plan during the Open Season for Federal Employees, which runs from November 12th through December 10th of this year. If you have a life status change that would cause you to adjust your coverage, like getting married or having a child, you will have the opportunity to alter your coverage within 60 days of that status change.

Is there a waiting period before I can use my benefits?

The CompBenefits Advantage Plan has no waiting periods except for orthodontic benefits. The Advantage Plan has no annual or lifetime maximum, and pre-existing conditions are covered. In addition, with the affordable CompBenefits Advantage Plan, you see what you pay for each dental procedure on your Benefits Schedule.

Are orthodontics covered for both children and adults?

The CompBenefits Advantage plan provides orthodontic services for children. To qualify, your child must be under 19 years old. Like every other dental procedure in this affordable plan you know exactly how much you will pay because it is listed on the Benefits Schedule.

What is the waiting period for orthodontia?

After children have been enrolled in the CompBenefits Advantage Plan for 24 months they are eligible for benefits at the Orthodontist. Your Benefits Schedule will tell you exactly how much each procedure will cost. The savings for this type of treatment are significant.

I am currently wearing braces. How will my dental benefits work?

It is always best to discuss any change to your treatment plan with your orthodontist. You should review the CompBenefits Advantage plan with your orthodontist before you make any decisions about coverage.

What if I want to go to a dentist that is not in your network?

The CompBenefits Advantage plan provides affordable, easy to use coverage with no deductibles, and no annual or lifetime maximums. The only way to take advantage of such rich benefits is to receive care from a dentist who has agreed to work with the Advantage program. You can review the list of Advantage network dentists in your area by going to the Dentist Locator.

When is Open Season?

Open Season begins November 12th. That is the day you will be able to go to www.BENEFEDS.com to enroll in the Dental Advantage Plan. Open Season ends on December 10th.