Learn what changes are coming during the annual enrollment for Dental, Vision and Audio (DVA) benefits for retirees.
.
This year, the open enrollment windows for the AlaskaCare Employee, AlaskaCare Retiree DVA, and Voluntary Supplemental Benefits align on the same calendar dates.
Their enrollment periods span from , at 5 p.m. Alaska Time.
AlaskaCare offers two retiree dental-vision-audio (DVA) plan options: the Legacy DVA Plan and the Standard DVA Plan.
Who can participate in DVA Open Enrollment? If you are enrolled in either the Standard or Legacy DVA Plan, you have an annual opportunity to select the plan that works best for you beginning Wednesday, November 5th. You will only be able increase or change your plan selection during an open enrollment period, unless you have a qualifying status change mid-year.
We encourage you to review your plan and participate in Open Enrollment to ensure you have the plan that is best for your needs. Participation is not required but most definitely encouraged. If you’re happy with your current plan and do not wish to make changes, we would still recommend reviewing the DVA Open Enrollment Guide so you’re up to date on any plan changes and enhancements.
If you do not participate in Open Enrollment this year, your current elections will remain the same. However, there will be benefit enhancements to the Standard Dental Plan in 2026. Premiums are changing in 2026 (see below).
Your 2026 DVA Open Enrollment Guide should have arrived by mail in late October. Included in the guide are the enhancements to the Standard Dental Plan in 2026:
Preventive Care: Increase from two to four cleanings (prophylaxis) and periodontal maintenance visits per year.
Diagnostic Services: Coverage now includes 3D dental imaging once per benefit year. Charges incurred will apply towards the annual maximum benefit.
Fluoride Treatment: The allowance for topical fluoride application increases from two times per year (previously age-based) to four times per benefit year, with no age restrictions.
Sealants and Related Procedures: Removal of eligibility criteria for sealant application, sealant repair, and preventive resin restoration. Each service is now allowed once per tooth per year.
Crowns: The frequency limit for crown replacement is reduced from once per tooth every seven years to once per tooth every five years. Updated from reimbursement at the allowable amount for a metal crown to the allowable amount for a porcelain crown.
Dental-Vision-Audio Premiums
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. The DVA premiums are increasing in 2026.
Retiree Dental/Vision/Audio Coverage Premiums – Defined Benefit (DB)
2025
2026
Coverage Level
Standard DB
Legacy DB
Standard DB
Legacy DB
Retiree Only
$71
$75
$77
$80
Retiree and Spouse
$142
$149
$154
$158
Retiree and Child(ren)
$129
$135
$140
$143
Retiree and Family
$202
$212
$219
$225
DB: Defined Benefit Plan (PERS Tiers I/II/III and TRS Tiers I/II, JRS, EPORS, MEBA)
Effective date: January 1, 2026
Retiree Dental/Vision/Audio Coverage Premiums – Defined Contribution Retirement (DCR)
2025
2026
Coverage Level
Standard DCR
Legacy DCR
Standard DCR
Legacy DCR
Retiree Only
$72.42
$76.50
$78.54
$81.60
Retiree and Spouse
$144.84
$151.98
$157.08
$161.16
Retiree and Child(ren)
$131.58
$137.70
$142.80
$145.86
Retiree and Family
$206.04
$216.24
$223.38
$229.50
DCR: Defined Contribution Retirement Plan (PERS Tier IV; TRS Tier III)
Effective date: January 1, 2026
What Can You Do During Open Enrollment?
How to ensure you choose the best plan:
Verify which plan you are currently enrolled in. You can refer to your dental insurance ID card to verify which DVA plan you are currently enrolled in. The card will either say “Retiree Legacy Dental Plan” or “Retiree Standard Dental Plan” on the bottom right corner. You may also contact Delta Dental of Alaska at or the Division’s Member Education Center at .
Review the DVA informational materials—including the 2026 DVA Open Enrollment Guide and Frequently Asked Questions. Everyone has different dental and vision needs and one size does not fit all. Both plans offer great benefits, and you have the flexibility to choose the plan that will work best for you and your family next year.
Review the previous changes. The 2025 Open Enrollment Recap section below to ensure you didn’t miss the major enhancements that became effective in 2025.
Assess if you need to switch plans. For example, if you are enrolled in the Legacy DVA Plan and are thinking about switching to the Standard DVA Plan, please review dental and vision network provisions and see if your current dentist or vision provider is in network with Delta Dental and VSP.
For members who do not have access to a VSP provider within 25 miles or an appointment within 30 days, you can contact VSP ahead of time at to verify provider availability and request pre-approval for in-network benefits. Members who obtain vision care from an out-of-network provider, without requesting a network exception for in-network rates, will be responsible for an increased share of the costs under the Standard Plan than they would under the Legacy Plan.
Don’t miss out on VSP’s additional discounts, fixed copays, and enhanced vision benefits available only through the Standard Vision Plan!
As for the Standard Dental Plan benefits: the annual dental benefit maximum is $3,000 (versus $2,000 for Legacy Dental), preventive services do not count toward the annual dental benefit maximum, the plan features access to Delta Dental’s wide Premier network of providers, as well as access to an additional PPO network that saves you even more money when you use a PPO dentist. Better prices mean you can receive coverage for more services before you reach your annual benefit maximum. Just keep in mind that if you visit an out-of-network dentist on the Standard Dental Plan, you will pay more out-of-pocket.
Make your election online! If you have decided to switch plans (for example: Legacy DVA to Standard DVA or vice versa) or increase your plan (for example: Retiree Only to Retiree and Spouse), now is your chance!
Note: There is no network for audio benefits. Audio benefits are the same through both the Standard and Legacy DVA Plans. There is no network for Legacy Vision on the Legacy DVA Plan. To learn more about audio benefits or Legacy Vision, call Aetna Concierge at .
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the DVA Plans. You can also find these in the DVA Open Enrollment Guide:
What are some of the similarities between the Standard DVA Plan and the Legacy DVA Plan benefits?
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 have no deductible for vision services.
Both vision plans allow coverage for one eye exam and pair of lenses per year and frames every other year.
Both plans are fully funded by member premiums.
Audio benefits are the same under each plan.
Do I need to participate in the DVA Open Enrollment?
In short, no. However, we encourage all eligible AlaskaCare retirees to review the plan options and participate in open enrollment. If you do not participate in Open Enrollment, your benefit selection will not change from what you have now. However, some benefits in the Standard Dental Plan are changing in 2026.
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 .
The biggest changes to the Standard DVA Plan in 2025 were:
Introduction of the new Standard Vision Plan with the VSP Network and enhanced vision benefits. Members under this plan are only responsible for copayments and any charges for options that exceed the plan benefit. No changes to the Legacy Vision Plan.
Enhancements to the Standard Dental Plan including an increase to the annual dental benefit maximum of $1,000 for a new maximum of $3,000 annually. Also, Delta Dental’s Preventive First Program was implemented. Through this program, Class I Preventive Services are now covered at 100% of the recognized charge, without counting toward the annual maximum benefit.
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 remained the same as previously offered. The Retiree Benefit Comparison PDF compared the plans so you could decide which plan was a better fit for you and your family. The AlaskaCare Retiree Insurance Information Booklets contains the complete benefit provisions for both the Standard and Legacy Plans.
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, members who do not have access to a VSP provider within 25 miles can contact VSP ahead of time at 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 , or use VSP’s online network provider search tool on VSP.com website .
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. The vision plan’s coinsurance is 80% of the recognized charge.
For additional information about the Legacy Plan vision benefits, contact Aetna Concierge toll-free at .
The annual Open Enrollment period is November 5 - 26, 2025. Be sure to review your current benefit elections and get ready to make any desired changes to your plan selections during Open Enrollment for the upcoming benefit year.
You can access the Online Benefits Enrollment portal to make open enrollment elections 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from November 5 through 26, 2025, at 5 p.m. Alaska Time. The link to the Online Benefit Enrollment Form will appear on this webpage on November 5th.
During DVA Enrollment you should:
Learn: Learn about the open enrollment process
Verify: Verify your eligibility to participate in open enrollment
Compare: Compare your options for dental benefits in the DVA plans
Enroll: Enroll in the plan of your choice
Online Enrollment Instructions
To enroll in the Retiree DVA Plan of your choice, navigate to AlaskaCare.gov/DVA webpage, click “Ready to Enroll? Click Here!” to access the Open Enrollment online form, and then click “Get Started” to complete the four-step process.
Step 1. Learn
Open enrollment begins with important reminders about your plan options, eligibility
information, and where to find answers if you have questions. After reviewing the information, click the Next button to move on.
Step 2. Verify
You will be prompted to enter information to verify that you are eligible to enroll.
Enter the information and click Check Eligibility. If your eligibility was confirmed, you will see the message Eligibility Verified! Confirm or update your contact information and click the Next button.
If your eligibility was not confirmed, you will see the message Unable to Verify.
If the system is unable to verify your identity, please contact the Division at
or in Juneau as soon as possible so we can help.
Step 3. Compare
Review the monthly premium rates, the benefit comparison table, and your plan
booklet to decide which plan is best for you. After reviewing the information, click the
Next button to move on.
Step 4. Enroll
Make your plan election, choose your coverage level, and click Enroll.
You will be emailed a confirmation for your records.
If you need to update your dependent information, complete the Retiree Health Dependent Change form PDF and submit it to the Division of Retirement and Benefits.
If you click on the Exit to AlaskaCare webpage button, you will close the
enrollment site. Congratulations! You have successfully completed your AlaskaCare DVA open enrollment!
Changing your coverage before Open Enrollment ends
You may change your mind about any benefit choices as long as you re-enroll in your final choices before the enrollment deadline.
Remember, each time you re-enroll, a new enrollment is processed. The previous enrollment will no longer exist. Make sure to re-select each of your elections and print your confirmation page for your records.
Qualifying Events
After open enrollment ends at 5 p.m. on the last day of the enrollment period you will not be able to make changes to your benefits. Make certain you have elected coverage that is the right fit for your health.
After open enrollment, you can increase your coverage if you experience one of the following:
Marriage
Birth or adoption of your child
Becoming the legal, court appointed guardian of a dependent child
A change in your dependent’s eligibility status
Your written request to increase coverage must be postmarked or received by fax or email within 120 days after the date one of the above events occurs. You should state the level of coverage you would like, the reason for the change, and the date the event occurred.
You can decrease coverage at any time.
If you change your coverage level due to a qualifying life event or a qualified change in family structure, your dependent’s coverage changes on the first of the month following receipt of your written request.
Need more information? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions related to the Dental-Vision-Audio plan. Click the in the bottom left-hand corner of this page or visit the Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
The Alaska State Division of Retirement and Benefits (DRB) website uses first-party cookies solely to enhance site functionality and improve user experience. These cookies are stored within the user's browser settings and are not collected, tracked, or recorded by DRB. Any third-party cookies that may appear originate from external applications integrated into the browser or website and are not managed or associated with DRB. By continuing to use our site, you acknowledge and agree to these conditions.
Please click the Navigation "burger" icon in the top right corner for additional navigation tools.
Click on the "bulb" icon in the main menu at the top to take the Site Tooltip Tour.
For high-contrast version of the DRB site click on the "contrast" icon in the main menu at the top.
If visually impaired and navigating by keyboard, press: TAB = Next, Shift-TAB = Back, Spacebar = Expand, ENTER = Select.
Screen reader users may need to switch modes to enable spacebar activation—for example, turning off Scan Mode in Microsoft Narrator to use spacebar for activating dropdown menus in the main navigation menubar.
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.
The DVA open enrollment is the period during which you can make changes to your DVA benefits. Beginning in 2026, 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.
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. The card will either say “Retiree Legacy Dental Plan” or “Retiree Standard Dental Plan” on the bottom right corner. You may also contact Delta Dental of Alaska at or the Division’s at , or email .
What are some of the differences between the Standard Plan and the Legacy Plan?
Standard Plan – Vision
The Standard Vision Plan was 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 or an appointment within 30 days, 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 Vision 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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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 .
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.
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.
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.
I am enrolled in the DVA plan with coverage for myself and my dependent spouse through my own retirement. Can I choose the Legacy DVA Plan, and cover my spouse through the Standard DVA Plan?
No. A retiree may only select one plan type (ex. Standard or Legacy DVA) 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.
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.
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.
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.
You can decrease your DVA plan at any time (ex. Decrease from Retiree and Spouse to Retiree Only.
Enter Email address to Subscribe to the DRB AlaskaCare Newsletters
×
Subscribe to the DRB AlaskaCare Newsletters
Enter your email to subscribe to the Alaska Division of Retirement and Benefits AlaskaCare eNewsletters and occasional updates. You will be redirected to customize your preferences, including HealthMatters, PERS & TRS Newsbreaks, the latest Employee & Retiree News, and other DRB related updates.
The DRB HealthMatters and AlaskaCare eNewsletters are delivered through Granicus GovDelivery. Be sure to whitelist @public.govdelivery.com.
Please click the Navigation "burger" icon in the top right corner for additional navigation tools.
Click on the "bulb" icon in the main menu at the top to take the Site Tooltip Tour.
For high-contrast version of the DRB site click on the "contrast" icon in the main menu at the top.
