Washington, DC - The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has awarded contracts to insurance carriers that will offer supplemental dental and vision benefits under the new Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program. Following an extensive review, OPM has selected the Aetna Life Insurance Company, Government Employees Hospital Association, Inc. (GEHA), MetLife Inc., United Concordia Companies, Inc., Group Health, Inc., CompBenefits, and Triple-S, Inc. to offer dental benefits and BlueCross BlueShield Association, Spectera, Inc., and Vision Service Plan (VSP) to offer vision benefits.

"This new program, which becomes effective on December 31, gives federal employees additional healthcare choices," said OPM Director Linda M. Springer. "Employees may elect to enroll for dental benefits, vision benefits or both."

The program allows employees to use pre-tax dollars to pay for their vision and dental premiums. However, as specified by law, there is no federal government contribution.

The Federal Employees Dental and Vision Benefits Enhancement Act of 2004 was signed into law by President Bush on December 23, 2004. The Act requires OPM to establish arrangements under which supplemental dental and vision benefits will be made available to federal employees, retirees, and their dependents, and it gives OPM broad contracting authority to leverage the purchasing power of federal enrollees.

The new supplemental dental and vision program will be offered during this year's Open Season which begins November 13 and ends December 11.