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OPM.gov / Insurance / Open Season / Federal Retirees & Other Annuitants /
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Federal Retirees & Other Annuitants

Frequently Asked Questions

This is the time of year to ensure that you have the right health, dental or vision insurance coverage for you and your family. It is also time to consider the money you can save on your out-of-pocket medical and dependent care expenses for the upcoming year.

  • Most FEHB plans will see benefit and rate changes for the upcoming year. Some plans are dropping out of the program and others are changing their service areas or coverage options. See the Benefits Administration Letter for Significant Plan Changes. It is wise to review your coverage during this period to decide what coverage and premium best suits your needs for the upcoming year.
  • You can supplement your health insurance coverage by choosing dental and/or vision insurance coverage that will reduce your out-of-pocket costs for these types of care. You may also cancel your participation in these programs during this period.
  • A flexible spending account can save you money through lower tax withholdings. You can fund your account through pre-tax contributions from your salary, and use the account to pay health care out-of-pocket or dependent care costs.
  • You can not enroll, change your enrollment, or cancel your coverage in these programs outside the Open Season unless you experience a Qualifying Life Event.

Most FEHB plans will see benefit and rate changes for the upcoming year. Some plans are dropping out of the program and others are changing their service areas or coverage options. See the Benefits Administration Letter for Significant Plan Changes.

Check your plan’s brochure for more information.

  • You will continue to be covered by your present health insurance plan, unless your plan is dropping out of the FEHB or reducing its service area. See the Benefits Administration Letter for Significant Plan Changes. However, your benefits, premiums, or coverage options may change.
  • You will continue to be covered by your present dental and/or vision insurance plan. However, your benefits and/or premiums may change.
  • Annuitants are not eligible for FSAFEDS.
  • You change your enrollment in these programs outside the Open Season unless you experience a Qualifying Life Event.

You can find information on:

The Federal Employees Health Benefits health plan brochures are available online.  Once you're there, you'll see a map of the United States. When you click on the state where you live, three charts will appear with all the available plans for your state and links to health plan brochures. Simply find your plan and click the link to your plan's brochure.

For additional assistance, call the Retirement Information Office at 1-888-767-6738 or you can email Retirement Services at retire@opm.gov.

There are several items that can help you understand the relationship between the Programs and help you choose an FEHB plan and/or a FEDVIP plan.

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