Edit by LM 2/5/25

Retiree Dental, Vision, & Audio Enrollment

Learn what changes are coming during the annual enrollment for Dental, Vision and Audio benefits for retirees.
.

#Closure Information

Deer

The 2025 Dental-Vision-Audio Open Enrollment Period has ended, if you did not participate in the DVA Open Enrollment, your benefits will remain the same into 2025. After open enrollment closes, you can only make changes in conjunction with a qualified status change or other applicable event. Examples can include a change in your legal marital status or the birth of a child. For a complete list, see section 7.6 of the AlaskaCare Retiree Insurance Information Booklet . You must make changes and report most qualifying status changes or other applicable events within 30 calendar days from the event.

If you have questions about Open Enrollment or your AlaskaCare Health plan, please contact the AlaskaCare toll-free at , in Juneau at , or by email at .

#Retiree Dental-Vision-Audio Benefits

The Dental Benefit Comparison, Dental Benefit Enrollment Guide, and the DVA monthly premium information is available below to help you learn more about the DVA plans.

2025 Important Documents

2025 DVA Benefit Enrollment and Comparison Guide

2025 DVA Comparison Guide Only

Useful Information

Learn more about the Dental Benefits

Learn more about the Vision and Audio Benefits

Standard Plan Vision Member Benefit Summary

If you did not participate in Open Enrollment, your benefit elections will not change from what you have now.

Vision Benefits in 2025

Starting in plan year 2025, AlaskaCare began offering two vision plans with different coverage provisions, the Standard Plan, and the Legacy Plan. The Standard Plan has been updated to include the Vision Service Plan (VSP) provider network, which includes benefit enhancements for certain services, while the vision benefits under the Legacy Plan remain the same as previously offered. The Retiree Benefit Comparison [link to comparison document] may help you compare the plans and decide which is a better fit for you and your family. The AlaskaCare Retiree Insurance Information Booklets will contain the complete benefit provisions for both the Standard and Legacy Plans.

Standard and Legacy Plan Vision Highlights

You pay no deductible under these plans.
The plan covers one complete eye examination, including a required refraction, per year.
The plan covers two lenses during each calendar year.
The plan covers one set of frames during every two consecutive calendar years.

Standard Plan Vision

The Standard Plan vision benefit has been updated to implement the VSP provider network. The VSP network provides enhanced vision benefits with reduced copays for comprehensive eye exams, lenses, and frames. Members under this plan will be responsible for copayments and charges for options that exceed the plan benefit. Network providers would determine the member cost share, file a claim with VSP, and only bill the member for their appropriate portion.

Members who obtain vision care from an out-of-network provider will be responsible for an increased share of the costs under the Standard Plan than they would under the Legacy Plan. However, for members who do not have access to a VSP provider within 25 miles, you can contact VSP ahead of time at (800) 877-7195 to verify provider availability and request pre-approval for in-network benefits.

To find a VSP network provider, members enrolled in the Standard Plan can call VSP at (800) 877-7195, or use VSP’s online network provider search tool . A step-by-step guide on how to use VSP’s provider search can be found here.

View the 2025 Standard Vision Plan Summary for detailed coverage information [link to the attached MBS similar to how it is in the dental benefit section].

For more information about the Standard Plan vision benefits, contact VSP at (800) 877-7195.

Legacy Plan Vision

The vision benefits under the Legacy Plan are unchanged. The primary difference is that there is no vision provider network under the Legacy Plan. As such, there are no network discounts, and members typically pay out-of-pocket for vision services at the time they are received and submit manual claims for reimbursement. There is also a fixed cost arrangement under the Legacy Plan’s vision benefit, and no reduced coinsurance for certain services.

For additional information about the Legacy Plan vision benefits, contact Aetna Concierge toll-free at (855) 784-8646.

#Dental-Vision-Audio Premiums

The premiums for both the Standard and Legacy DVA plans have increased for the 2025 plan year.

The DVA plan monthly premiums are set to reflect the overall value of each plan across all enrolled members. The value of each plan varies based on differences in benefit design, network access, and how much the plan pays out-of-network providers.

Retiree Dental/Vision/Audio Coverage Premiums
	2024				2025
Coverage Level	Standard DB	Standard DCR	Legacy DB	Legacy DCR	Standard DB	Standard DCR	Legacy DB	Legacy DCR
Coverage Level	Retiree Only	$69	$70.38	$69	$70.38	$71	$72.42	$75	$76.50
Retiree and Spouse	$138	$140.76	$138	$140.76	$142	$144.84	$149	$151.98
Retiree and Child(ren)	$125	$127.50	$125	$127.50	$129	$131.58	$135	$137.70
Retiree and Family	$196	$199.92	$196	$199.92	$202	$206.04	$212	$216.24
DB: Defined Benefit Plan \| DCR: Defined Contribution Retirement Plan
Effective date: January 1, 2025

Please note: Defined Benefit Retirees who pay monthly DVA premiums through Direct Bill are assessed a 2% administrative fee (see DCR premiums).

#Questions?

Page Last Modified: 09/10/25 11:12:26

DVA FAQs

What is the AlaskaCare Retiree Dental-Vision-Audio (DVA) Plan?

Upon retirement, AlaskaCare retirees may choose to participate in a voluntary Dental-Vision-Audio (DVA) plan to provide coverage for themselves and their eligible dependents. Unlike the medical and pharmacy plans, the DVA plan benefits are funded entirely by member-paid premiums.

Learn More

What is the DVA Open Enrollment?

The DVA open enrollment is the period during which you can make changes to your DVA benefits. Beginning in 2025, there is a difference in both the vision and dental benefits between plans.

If you have questions about this enrollment period please contact the Division at , or email to learn about your options. You will be able to change your DVA plan each year during an open enrollment period for as long as the State offers two DVA plans.

Learn More

Where can I get more information about the two DVA plans?

You can find information about the two DVA plans online, including the following: DVA Benefit Enrollment Guide and DVA Benefit Comparison .

If you have questions about your options, please contact the or the following claims administrators by benefit:

Dental Delta Dental of Alaska
Vision Standard Plan: VSP
Vision Legacy Plan: Aetna

Learn More

How can I verify which DVA plan I am currently enrolled in?

You can refer to your dental insurance ID cards to verify which DVA plan you are currently enrolled in. You may also contact Delta Dental of Alaska at or the Division’s at , or email .

Learn More

What are some of the differences between the Standard Plan and the Legacy Plan?

Standard Plan – Vision

The vision benefit has been updated to implement the Vision Service Plan (VSP) provider network. The VSP network provides enhanced vision benefits with reduced copays for comprehensive eye exams, lenses, and frames. Members would only be responsible for copayments and charges for options that exceed the plan benefit.
Custom and premium progressive lens enhancements are covered, and discounts are available for photochromic, tints, and other lens enhancements received from a VSP network provider.
Network providers would determine the member cost share, file a claim with VSP, and only bill the member for their appropriate portion.
Members who obtain vision care from an out-of-network provider will be responsible for an increased share of the costs under the Standard Plan than they would under the Legacy Plan.
For members who do not have access to a VSP provider within 25 miles, you can contact VSP ahead of time at to verify provider availability and request pre-approval for in-network benefits.

Legacy Plan – Vision

The vision benefit under the Legacy Plan is unchanged. The primary difference is that there is no vision provider network under the Legacy Plan. As such, there are no network discounts, and members typically pay out-of-pocket for vision services at the time they are received and submit manual claims for reimbursement. There is also a fixed cost arrangement under the Legacy Plan’s vision benefit, and no reduced coinsurance for certain services. For a more complete comparison of benefits, see the DVA Benefit Comparison .

Standard Plan – Dental

The annual dental benefit maximum is $3,000.
Delta Dental’s Preventive First program, which covers preventive dental services at 100% coinsurance, and any eligible preventive services paid by the Standard Plan would not count toward a member’s maximum annual allowance for dental services.
Features an additional dental network, Delta Dental's PPO network, with deeper discounts that save you more money when you use a network dentist. This allows you to receive coverage for more services before you reach your annual benefit maximum. Standard Plan members can also access lower rates from dentists who participate in Delta Dental’s broader Premier dental network.
Supports evidence-based coverage limitations, including those developed by the American Dental Association, such as frequency and age limitations for exams, cleanings, and periodontal maintenance.
Pays less if you visit an out-of-network dentist.

Legacy Plan – Dental

The annual dental benefit maximum is $2,000.
Preventive services count toward annual dental benefit maximum.
Does not have pre-determined frequency or age limitations on most services.
Features a wide dental network, Delta Dental's Premier dental network, that saves you money when you use a network dentist.
Pays out-of-network dentists at a higher rate.

Some dental procedures fall into different service classes, depending on which plan you elect. If you would like to know how a specific service would be covered under each plan, call Delta Dental of Alaska at (855) 718-1768.

Please consult the DVA Benefit Comparison for more details about the differences between the plans. The Defined Benefit Retiree Insurance Information Booklet and Defined Contribution Retiree Insurance Information Booklet will contain the complete benefit provisions for both the Standard and Legacy Plans.

Learn More

What are some of the similarities between the Standard Plan and the Legacy Plan?

Both plans provide coverage for dental preventive, restorative, and prosthetic services.
Both plans have the same dental coinsurance levels:
- Class I (Preventive): 100%
- Class II (Restorative): 80%
- Class III (Prosthetic): 50%
- Both plans have the same annual dental deductible: $50 per individual (Class II and III Services).
- Both plans are fully funded by member premiums.
- Both plans have no deductible for vision services.
- Both plans allow coverage for one eye exam and pair of lenses per year and frames every other year.
- Audio benefits are the same under each plan.
Please consult the 2025 DVA Benefit Comparison for more details about the differences between the plans. The Defined Benefit Retiree Insurance Information Booklet and Defined Contribution Retiree Insurance Information Booklet will contain the complete benefit provisions for both the Standard and Legacy Plans.
Learn More

Where can I find a copy of the plan booklet?

The plan booklets are available on the AlaskaCare webpage.

You can also call the Division's to request a paper copy.

Learn More

Can I see any licensed dentist or vision provider?

Yes, both the Standard and Legacy Plans let you see any licensed dentist or vision provider you want. Both plans give you access to the wide Premier network of dental providers that will save you money. If you choose the Legacy Plan and see an out-of-network provider, the plan will cover a greater portion of the charges so you may pay less for out-of-network services. If you choose the Standard Plan, you have access to an additional PPO network of dental providers, and VSP vision network providers who offer deeper discounts, saving you more money, but you may pay more if you use out-of-network dentists or vision providers.

Remember, if you use an out-of-network dentist or vision provider, you may receive additional bills for charges that the plan will not cover.

Standard Plan members looking to find a vision provider in the VSP network can call VSP at , or use VSP’s online network provider search tool .

Find a Provider

How do I tell the Division of Retirement and Benefits which plan I would like to participate in?

Each year the Division will host an open enrollment period that allows members to change their DVA plan elections for the upcoming plan year. You will find the enrollment link at AlaskaCare.gov/DVA. If you have questions about the enrollment period please contact the at , or email . While the Division offers multiple plans, you will have an annual opportunity to select the plan that works best for you. You will only be able to make changes to your plan selection during an open enrollment period unless you have a qualifying status change. You can cancel your DVA election at any time by contacting the Division.

Learn More

If I change my DVA plan, when will I receive updated ID cards?

Dental

If you updated your plan due to a qualifying status change, you can expect new cards in the mail within 10 to 14 days from when you submitted the change.

Vision

An ID card will not be mailed for vision benefits under either the Standard DVA Plan or Legacy DVA Plan. Under both plans, your vision plan member ID number will be the same as your medical plan ID number.

If you are covered under the Legacy DVA Plan and would like a physical ID card for vision benefits, you may request one by contacting the Aetna Health Concierge at .

If you are covered under the Standard DVA Plan and would like a physical ID card, you can obtain one by following the instructions provided below:

How to Access & Print Your VSP Member ID Card

Go to vsp.com

Step 1 Log In to Your Account, enter your Username and Password, and click 'Log In'
Step 2 Click the 'Member Username' field.
Step 3 You can find your ID card on your Dashboard, click 'view member ID card'.
Step 4 Choose an Option:

Example of Your VSP ID Card
- View your ID card
- Save it as a file
- Print a copy
- Email it to yourself or someone else
- Take a photo using your smartphone

Need visuals? Click here for a PDF version of these instructions with images.

Audio

There is no ID card for Audio benefits. Your audio plan member ID number is the same as your medical plan member ID number.

Learn More

What should I do if I am only enrolled in the AlaskaCare dental-vision-audio plan (but not the medical plan) and do not have an ID card to show my provider?

Standard Plan (Vision and Audio)

VSP does not issue physical ID cards – you can simply provide your name and date of birth to your VSP provider at your appointment. However, if you would like to view and print your member ID card, you may do so through your VSP account. (You must sign up for an account if you don't already have one.) Audio cards are no longer mailed by Aetna to members with Standard DVA. For audio reimbursement claims, please utilize the ID and group number listed on your medical member ID card.

Legacy Plan (Dental, Vision, and Audio) and Standard Plan (Dental)

For the AlaskaCare Retiree Legacy Plan’s Vision benefits, you may call Aetna Concierge at to request your vision/audio member ID card. Please mention that you are requesting the vision/audio member ID card to ensure a medical ID card is not mailed instead.

For the AlaskaCare Retiree Standard and Legacy Dental Plans, Moda Health/Delta Dental will send you an ID card for your dental services. If you need assistance with your dental cards, please contact their Customer Service Center at .

Learn More

Will my DVA coverage change because of the 2022 Supreme Court decision?

You may have heard about a lawsuit related to the AlaskaCare Dental-Vision-Audio (DVA) plan. In 2014, in an effort to protect you from rising premiums and to preserve the value of your benefits, the Division updated the dental portion of the DVA plan to align with best dental practices and reduce the cost of services through an expanded dental network. This sought to preserve the plan’s value while maintaining members’ access to care and averting premium increases.

In January 2016, a lawsuit was filed contesting the Division’s efforts. In April 2019, the Alaska Superior Court ruled in favor of the plaintiff. This decision resulted in two DVA plans being offered, the Standard DVA plan and the Legacy DVA plan. This decision was appealed to the Alaska Supreme Court.

On January 21, 2022, the Alaska Supreme Court vacated the Superior Court’s judgment. The Division is evaluating the decision. There will be no immediate changes to the AlaskaCare Retiree Dental-Vision-Audio benefits.

Learn More

Can I decrease my DVA coverage?

Yes, you may decrease your DVA level of coverage at any time. To decrease your coverage, submit a written request to the Division stating the level of coverage you would like.

Learn More

Can I have more than one DVA Plan? If so, what are the benefits to having two DVA plans?

Yes. If you have a second retirement (you retire from TRS and then from PERS, for example), you may elect DVA coverage under both retirements. However, you are not able to elect the Standard Plan under one retirement and the Legacy Plan under the other. If you are covered by your spouse’s plan, you may elect to have a second plan for yourself or yourself and your eligible dependents.

The benefit to having two dental plans is they coordinate to pay 100% of covered expenses. For example, a filling is covered at 80% under one plan and the second plan pays the remaining 20%. In addition, if you have two dental plans, any annual dollar limits are doubled. For example, if you were covered by the Standard Plan under your retirement, which has a $3,000 annual maximum dental benefit, and by the Legacy Plan under your spouse’s retirement, which has a $2,000 annual maximum benefit, you would have a total annual maximum benefit of $5,000. However, any dental services that are limited to a maximum number of services in a year are not doubled.

For further information and details on coordination of benefits, please see the AlaskaCare Retiree Insurance Information Booklet. It is your responsibility to report the existence of benefits payable under any plan, and to file for those benefits.

Learn More

My spouse and I each have DVA coverage and cover each other as dependents. Will our plans continue to coordinate coverage?

Yes. Regardless of which plan each of you selects, your coverage will continue to coordinate.

Learn More

I am enrolled in the DVA plan with coverage for myself and my dependent spouse. Can I choose the legacy plan, and can my spouse choose the standard plan?

No. A retiree may only select one plan for themselves and any covered dependents. However, if you and your spouse each have a separate AlaskaCare DVA policy, you may select different plans and cover each other as dependents.

Learn More

Are my audio benefits impacted?

No. The audio benefits are not affected by which DVA plan you choose.

Learn More

How are premiums set for the two plans?

The standard and legacy plan monthly premiums are set to reflect the overall value of each plan across all enrolled members. The value of each plan varies based on differences in benefit design, network access, and how much the plan pays out-of-network providers. The rates are not impacted by how many people elect one plan or the other.

Learn More

If I do not make an election during open enrollment, which plan will I have?

If you do not make a plan selection, you will remain in the plan you are currently enrolled in.

Learn More

Who is eligible to participate in the DVA open enrollment?

Only members who currently have DVA coverage are eligible to participate in open enrollment.

Learn More

Can I switch between the DVA plans?

Yes, you will have an opportunity to change your DVA plan selection during the open enrollment period. Outside of the open enrollment period, you will not be able to make changes to your elections unless you have a qualifying status change.

If you miss the open enrollment window and have questions about your next opportunity to make a DVA plan selection, please contact the Division of Retirement and Benefits.

Learn More

Can I change DVA plans throughout the year?

You will not be able to make changes to your plan outside the open enrollment period unless you have a qualifying status change. You can change DVA plans during any qualified status change, such as marriage, birth or adoption of a child, or divorce.

If you missed open enrollment and have questions about your next opportunity to make a DVA plan selection, please contact the Division of Retirement and Benefits.

Learn More

Retiree FAQs

Division of Retirement and Benefits

Alaska Department of Administration

Division of Retirement and Benefits

Home

Employee

Retiree

Employer

Events

Help

Contact

Retiree Dental, Vision, & Audio Enrollment

#Closure Information