If you’re a military retiree like me, you’ve been using the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program through Delta Dental, but that’s going away at the end of this year.

Instead, we’re eligible to enroll in the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). In addition to dental insurance, we can also get vision coverage which is a welcome addition for me as I started wearing glasses a few years ago.

New coverage will begin 1 January, 2019, but you will not be automatically enrolled in a FEDVIP plan for 2019. It is imperative you enroll during the Federal Benefits Open Season, which is November 12–December 10, 2018.

After consulting with my dentist regarding which plans he accepts, I took the plunge the other day. I didn’t need any existing passwords for MyPay or DEERS. The website was easy to use and within 15 minutes I had enrolled in both dental vision plans for myself and my dependents, and that time included comparing available plans.

You can’t ignore this. Once again, if you don’t enroll, you’ll lose your coverage.

Visit www.tricare.benefeds.com for more information.

LOWE’S CONTRIBUTES NEARLY $1 BILLION IN SAVINGS TO MILITARY FAMILIES

In 2018, Lowe’s will proudly help military families nationwide save nearly $1 billion on home improvement projects through the company’s military discount

MOORESVILLE, N.C.  – In honor of this Veterans Day, Lowe’s is proud to announce it has helped military families save nearly $1 billion through the company’s military discount, which offers 10 percent off on everyday purchases for veterans and active military servicemen and women. Lowe’s is founded by veterans and this discount is just one way Lowe’s will show its appreciation for military men and women this year.

Lowe’s is also announcing expanded store benefits to recognize associates and customers in the military community. Lowe’s will now:

• Honor veteran associates with a service patch to begin proudly wearing on their Red Vest

• Designate four parking spaces at every store to be reserved for current and honorably discharged members of the military

• Provide free, full-size American flags on Veterans Day to the first 100 customers at every store with any purchase. Lowe’s will also offer free mini, parade-size flags, up to 1,000, at each store.

Lowe’s was recently named a Top 10 Military-Friendly® Brand by G.I. Jobs, a designation that acknowledges corporate or businesses’ efforts, commitments and success in supporting the military community. Lowe’s also offers employment opportunities for military personnel after their service ends. More than 14,000 military, veterans and military spouses currently work throughout the organization.

Currently, more than 650 associates are deployed to active duty. Lowe’s provides differential pay during their service, along with other benefits to help them and their families. Lowe’s also supports veteran-owned suppliers through its supplier diversity program and is actively involved in programs like the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and the Military Spouse Employee Partnership (MSEP).

“We recognize, honor and respect those who serve our country, and I am proud to announce this Veterans Day, that Lowe’s has helped military families save nearly $1 billion on their home improvement projects this year through our military discount program,” said Joe McFarland, Lowe’s executive vice president, stores and Gulf War and Desert Storm Veteran.

Lowe’s has offered discounts to veterans and active military servicemen and women for more than a decade as a way of saying thank you to service members and their families. The Lowe’s Military Recognition Program offers an everyday 10 percent discount on personal purchases to current and honorably discharged members of the U.S. Armed Forces. To enroll in the discount program, visit Lowes.com/Military.