Out-of-pocket estimates are distinct from premiums
OPM says the Compare Dental Service Costs Tool will be available to current and prospective FEDVIP dental enrollees with a FEDVIP account through BENEFEDS. It compares estimated out-of-pocket ranges for 75 common dental services across all eleven FEDVIP dental carriers.
The tool is meant to support carrier and plan-option choices during Open Season, November 9 through December 14. A plan premium and the estimated cost of a particular procedure are different expenses. Selecting the lowest premium alone may not produce the lowest total dental spending.
The provider and procedure still matter
An estimated range is not a dentist treatment plan, negotiated provider price or final insurer adjudication. Check the exact procedure, network status, coverage limits and exclusions in the current brochure and with the provider. The announcement does not say all seventy-five services are free or equally covered.
OPM also reports selected carriers improved preventive, restorative or anesthesia benefits. Those are carrier-specific changes, not a uniform increase in every dental plan. Use the comparison tool as a starting point and verify the relevant option before assuming the highlighted benefit applies to your enrollment.