[1]Open season runs from November 9th through December 14th. There are tools available to evaluate provider options, select your 2021 plan, and submit changes to OPM. Use the following resources to make an informed decision for you and your family’s health care needs.
Request a Federal Retirement Report [2]™
If you decide not to change plans in 2021 you don’t have to do anything, your plan will automatically renew as long as it hasn’t been discontinued for some reason. I’ve been enrolled in GEHA Standard Plus One for 7 years; each year it simply renews without any action on my part. Typically, you will be notified if your plan is discontinued. You can also call to confirm availability if you have any doubts.
Obtain Copies of Plan Guides
Active Employees
- Request hard copies of desired plan brochures through your benefits coordinator. If you don’t know who that is talk with your supervisor.
- Download plan brochures from the OPM website [3].
- Request copies direct from plan providers. I typically request and receive brochures direct from GEHA and Blue Cross Blue Shield weeks before they are available on the OPM site.
Annuitants (Retirees)
- Sign up for FEHB Open Season Online [4] – This site is devoted to federal annuitants. Request plan brochures to be mailed to your home address or you can download brochures to your computer. You must register to use this site and annuitants can change enrollments online.
- Download plan brochures from the OPM website [3].
- Request copies direct from plan providers.
Determine Plan Costs – 2020 FEHB Plan Rates [5] (All rates are now posted online).
Compare Plans – Use OPM’s FEHB Plan Comparison Tool [6] and Consumers’ Checkbook 2021 Guide to Health Plans to find the best FEHB plan for your needs. The Consumers’ Checkbook Guide is available in print and online formats. Federal Retirement readers can pre-ordered their guide at Guidetohealthplans.org [7] and save 20% by entering promo code FEDRETIRE at checkout. The Guide will be released online no later than the first day of Open Season November 9th. Print books will be mailed the week prior to the start of Open Season.
Use these two excellent tools to drill down to and find the best plan for your personal situation. Compare costs and benefits of up to 4 plans side-by-side. These comparison tools are easy to use and will show you the differences between plans with only a few keystrokes. Before making your final enrollment decision, always refer to the individual FEHB brochures. Each plan’s FEHB brochure is the official statement of benefits.
Changing Enrollment
Annuitants (Retirees)
- Annuitants can change plans online at FEHB Open Season Online [4]. The online service is easy to use and you can track your change submissions.
- Call Open Season Express 1-800-332-9798.
- Send regular mail (Postmarked no later than final date of Open Season) to:
Office of Personnel Management
Open Season Processing Center
P.O. Box 5000
Lawrence, KS 66046-0500
When sending requests by mail clearly state your Open Season request. If you are making an enrollment change, be sure to tell OPM the plan you want, the type of coverage (Self Only, Self Plus One or Family), and the enrollment code. You must include your annuity claim number and social security number on your request. If you are choosing Self Plus One or Family coverage, OPM will also need your dependent and other insurance information.
Federal Employees
- You may be able to enroll online using Employee Express [9].
- Department of Defense employees can enroll using the DoD automated enrollment systems [10].
- Health and Human Services and Department of Veterans Affairs employees can enroll using MyPay [11].
- Department of Energy employees can enroll using the DOE automated systems [12].
- You can submit Standard Form 2809, Employee Health Benefits Election Form [13] (PDF file) [849 KB], to your Human Resources Office. (Unless you are a U.S. Postal Service employee)
- Postal Service employees can enroll using the PostalEASE online and telephone enrollment system [14].
Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)
Dental and vision benefits are available to eligible Federal and Postal employees, retirees, and their eligible family members on an enrollee-pay-all basis. Several new providers [15] were added for the 2021 open season. Enrollment takes place during the annual Federal Benefits Open Season in November and December. New and newly eligible employees can enroll within the 60 days after they become eligible.
Register online at www.BENEFEDS.com [16] to review and download plan brochures, use their plan comparison tool, and to initiate a change or cancel enrollment. If you aren’t a registered user sign up now. You will be able to review your Dental, Vision, Long Term Care and Flexible Spending [17] accounts. Enrollees can initiate changes during open season, when there is a life event change [18], or to cancel coverage at any time.
For enrollment/premium questions regarding dental and vision insurance, contact BENEFEDS at 1(877) 888-3337.
Medicare Impact on FEHB Plans
Review the following articles that describe the impact Medicare has on your FEHB provider payments.
- A Marriage of Convenience – Medicare & FEHB [19]
- Medicare and FEHB Options – What Will You Do When You Turn 65? [20] (Part 1)
- What to Consider Before Enrolling in Medicare B [21] (Part 2)
- Should You Change to a Lower Cost FEHB Plan When You Sign Up for Medicare [22](Part 3)
- Medicare Part B and FEHB Update [24] (Part 4)
- How to Delay Part B Premiums [25]
Helpful Retirement Planning Tools
Schedule A Retirement Benefits Seminar in Your Area [28]
- Retirement Planning For Federal Employees & Annuitant [29]
- Budget Work Sheet [30]
- Social Security Guide [31]
- Medicare Guide [32]
[33]
Disclaimer: The information provided may not cover all aspect of unique or special circumstances, federal regulations, medical procedures, and benefit information are subject to change. To ensure the accuracy of this information, contact relevant parties for assistance including OPM’s retirement center. Over time, various dynamic economic factors relied upon as a basis for this article may change. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation and this service is not affiliated with OPM or any federal entity. You should consult with a financial, medical or human resource professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher or author shall be liable for any loss or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.
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